Courtney Banghart scored a big win on the recruiting trail on Friday, as five-star wing Taliyah Henderson committed to the UNC women’s basketball program.

Both ESPN and 247 Sports rate Henderson as a five-star prospect, with ESPN grading her a 96 overall and the No. 21 player in the recruiting class of 2025. A six-foot wing from Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson, AZ, Henderson chose Carolina over offers from several other schools, including UConn, Tennessee and USC. She is currently the only recruit in the Class of 2025 committed to UNC (Lanie Grant originally was part of the class but reclassified into the Class of 2024).

“I love the coaching staff,” Henderson said after her announcement. “They supported me. You could tell they believe in me. And that energy, that passion when I was on campus, was undeniable… I had great times at other places, but this feeling set [UNC] apart from everyone else.”

Henderson also credited her desire to major in journalism and become a sports broadcaster as part of her decision. She recently represented Canada at the FIBA U18 Women’s Americup in June, during which the Canadians went 5-1. Henderson averaged 9.5 points and 6.3 rebounds in six games during the event.

Henderson will join the Tar Heels as the program loses starters Alyssa Ustby, Maria Gakdeng and Lexi Donarski after the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.

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