UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- Penn State women’s basketball head coach Tanisha Wright announces the addition of Ava Black to her squad. The sophomore transfer arrives in Happy Valley after one season spent at Vanderbilt during her rookie campaign. Black becomes the first portal pickup for Wright ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Wright said,” we are so excited for Ava and her family to join the Penn State Community and be a part of helping us rebuild the Lady Lion program. Ava is such a unique talent because she impacts the game in so many essential ways. We know that Ava is going to do amazing things here in Happy Valley.”
Black made in impact during her freshman season at Vanderbilt, playing in 30 games throughout the year. The rookie averaged 2.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, 0.7 steals and 0.6 assists per game while shooting 52.2% from the field in a historic season for the Dores. Black helped her squad advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2008-09 after earning a no. 2 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Auburn, New Hampshire native was impactful in Vanderbilts first round win over High Point, totaling a career best 12 points on five-of-six shooting from the floor. Black put forth another career performance earlier in the season against Kentucky, grabbing a personal high nine boards in the contest.
Ranked one of New England’s top prospects out of high school, Black played for Tabor Academy in Marion, Mass. She made an immediate impact during her freshman campaign, helping her team to the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council Class AA championship while garnering All-NEPSAC Class AA first team accolades individually. Similarly, she guided Tabor Academy to an ISL championship in her final season in addition to securing All-NEPSAC Class AAA first team honors. Black attended the 2023 USA Women’s Basketball U16 National Team trails and played club basketball for the Bay State Jaguars.