University of North Carolina Athletics
Women’s Basketball Adds Five-Star Prospect Kate Harpring For 2026-27
November 17, 2025 | Women's Basketball
CHAPEL HILL – The future for North Carolina Women's Basketball is bright, as head coach Courtney Banghart announced the signing of five-star prospect Kate Harpring to join the Tar Heels in 2026-27.
"In Kate, we are adding a dynamic athlete and a relentless competitor," said Banghart. "Her scoring versatility, toughness, and defensive edge will impact our program immediately."
The 5–10 point guard out of Atlanta is touted as the consensus overall No.1 player in the Class of 2026 according to 247Sports and the No. 4 player according to ESPN.
As the 2024-25 Gatorade Georgia Girls Basketball Player of the Year, Harpring averaged 32 points and 10 rebounds a game as she led the Marist School to an appearance in the 2025 Class 4A semifinals.
The point guard also boasts experience on the international circuit, assisting the USA U-19 team to a gold medal this past summer at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Brno, Czechia. Appearing in seven games for the Red, White, and Blue, Harpring posted 8.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists en route to gold.
Most recently, Harpring earned a spot on the 2025-26 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy Girls High School Player of the Year Watch List.
Harpring, the daughter of Matt and Amanda, was a three-time All-ACC selection at Georgia Tech and spent 11 years in the NBA. Her mother swam at Cornell, while her brother Luke currently plays football for the Yellow Jackets.
Stay up to date with the latest North Carolina women's basketball news on X at @UNCWBB, Instagram @UNCWBB, and Facebook at Carolina Women's Basketball.
"In Kate, we are adding a dynamic athlete and a relentless competitor," said Banghart. "Her scoring versatility, toughness, and defensive edge will impact our program immediately."
The 5–10 point guard out of Atlanta is touted as the consensus overall No.1 player in the Class of 2026 according to 247Sports and the No. 4 player according to ESPN.
As the 2024-25 Gatorade Georgia Girls Basketball Player of the Year, Harpring averaged 32 points and 10 rebounds a game as she led the Marist School to an appearance in the 2025 Class 4A semifinals.
The point guard also boasts experience on the international circuit, assisting the USA U-19 team to a gold medal this past summer at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Brno, Czechia. Appearing in seven games for the Red, White, and Blue, Harpring posted 8.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists en route to gold.
Most recently, Harpring earned a spot on the 2025-26 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy Girls High School Player of the Year Watch List.
Harpring, the daughter of Matt and Amanda, was a three-time All-ACC selection at Georgia Tech and spent 11 years in the NBA. Her mother swam at Cornell, while her brother Luke currently plays football for the Yellow Jackets.
Stay up to date with the latest North Carolina women's basketball news on X at @UNCWBB, Instagram @UNCWBB, and Facebook at Carolina Women's Basketball.
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