Kateri Poole of Houston women’s basketball enters transfer portal

On Monday, Houston women’s basketball graduate guard Kateri Poole announced her plans to enter the transfer portal via her Instagram page, becoming the fifth Cougar to enter. 

“This journey has not been easy, and The Author is not finished with my story yet,” Poole said in her post. “With all the power to God and trust in His timing, I have made the decision to enter the transfer portal.”

Poole first joined the Cougars for the 2024-25 season under former coach Ronald Hughey after spending two seasons at LSU, where she won a national championship. An ACL and lateral meniscus tear in her left knee she suffered doing a preseason scrimmage sidelined her for the entirety of that campaign.

“I want to sincerely thank coach Hughey for giving me an amazing opportunity to be part of such an amazing institution. Your leadership and trust helped shape me both on and off the court, and I will always be grateful for that,” she wrote.

After spending 719 days away from the court, she returned for Houston’s 2025-26 season opener against UT Arlington at Fertitta Center on Nov. 4, 2025 under the program’s new coach, Matthew Mitchell.

“This past year, I had the privilege of playing under coach Matthew Mitchell. That experience meant more to me than words can fully express, and I’m thankful for the guidance and knowledge you poured into me.”

In seven games, Poole averaged 3.9 points, 1.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.4 steals in 15.9 minutes per game before re-aggravating her left knee in late November during the BahaMar Hoops Nassau Championship. She underwent another season-ending surgery. 

“As I reflect on my time at the University of Houston, my heart is filled with gratitude and humility. To the fans, staff, and the city of Houston, thank you for the unwavering support and for embracing me as one of your own.”

With nine departures due to eligibility and transfers, the team will have four returning players for the 2026-27 season.