Women's Basketball Announces Signings of Two Transfers

AMHERST, Mass. – The University of Massachusetts women's basketball program has officially signed transfers Leah Bullard and Ayanna Franks, announced by the team on Friday.

"Overall, our coaching staff did a great job identifying our team needs, and I am proud of our staff as we welcome two great players and great families into our basketball program" said women's basketball head coach Mike Leflar. "Our returning players and newcomers share the commitment level it takes to compete for a Conference Championship and NCAA Tournament bid. I am excited for our future."

Leah Bullard | 6'1" | Forward | Tampa Bay, Fla. | Oakland
Bullard appeared in 23 games for Oakland in her freshman season, shooting over 56% from the field in 193 minutes of action. Leah set career-highs in points (8), field goal percentage (100%), and minutes (19) against Wright State on February 19th. Prior to her collegiate debut, Bullard was a three-time State Champion at Dr. Phillips High School, earning All-District MVP and a McDonald's All-American nomination.

Bullard on UMass
"Trusted in God's plan and timing, and now I'm here. I am so grateful to be here and beyond thankful for this opportunity. I;m super excited to be coming to UMass next year and ready to give everything I've got to this program. Let's work!"

Leflar on Bullard
"I am excited that Leah Bullard is joining our program. Leah made an impact in her minutes at Oakland and her skill set is exactly what we were looking to add to our front court. She can score in transition and is a skilled finisher with both hands around the basket. Leah's skill and versatility is a big strength. I look forward to also putting Leah in position to attack the basket from the perimeter and continue developing into a 3-level scorer. With most of our scoring back from this season, we have been very selective with who we recruit in the transfer portal. I want players who understand and embrace our culture. Leah is a great fit on and off the court and will add to UMass Basketball."

Ayanna Franks | 5'9" | Guard | Windsor Conn. | Rhode Island
Making 34 appearances in her freshman season with the URI Rams, Franks tallied over 100 points across 355 minutes of action. Scoring a career-high 13 points against UMass Lowell, Ayanna established herself as a two-way threat tallying 17 steals and 10 blocks over the course of the year. In her high school career, Franks was named Connecticut state Gatorade Player of the Year in 2024, collecting over 1,200 career points at Windsor.

Franks on UMass
"I'm super excited to be joining UMass and incredibly grateful for this opportunity! I can't wait to get to work! See y'all soon!"

Leflar on Franks
"Bringing in players from the transfer portal that we recruited out of high school has benefited our program, and our relationship with Ayanna Franks dates to her junior year. I recruited Ayanna out of high school because her dynamic scoring and playmaking ability. Ayanna showed glimpses of that this season, and I am excited to watch her contribute and develop in our program. Ayanna has played on and off the ball in the past and that versatility will impact our program. She can shoot the three and is explosive getting to the basket. Her skill level and athleticism will be a great fit as we continue to play faster and build our offense around our player's strengths. I am excited Ayanna has three years to attack her on-court development and make the most of their time here at UMass."

Scoreboard

University of Massachusets Athletics

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