The Bruins are in the midst of an offseason of a lot of turnover. They’re defending national champions and just watched six of their players get drafted to the WNBA. They set that record and then also five first round draft picks. Now they look to rebuild their roster to become contenders again. They brought back a familiar face that has played at UCLA under Cori Close. Elina Aarnisalo returns to Westwood after one season with North Carolina.
NEWS: North Carolina transfer Elina Aarnisalo has committed to UCLA.
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) April 13, 2026
The 5-10 sophomore averaged 10.2 ppg and 2.9 apg this season and started her career with the Bruins.
TRACKER: https://t.co/wYv1Ze6704 pic.twitter.com/u3zIHjuB62
Aarnisalo played her freshman season at UCLA in the 2024 season. She played in 37 games that season which included 10 starts. Averaging 21 minutes a night and 5.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. She shot 43.7% from the floor and only 27% from 3-point range. With UCLA bringing in so much talent for the 2025 season. Aarnisalo transferred to North Carolina and showed that she improved her confidence and game.
At North Carolina in 2025, she averaged 10.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Doing so while shooting 47.3% from the floor. Better yet she showed her improved 3-points shot by shooting 40.4% from deep. Her attempts also went from 1.7 per night to 2.6 per night. So her volume was higher and her shooting went up by 13%. She will be a tremendous addition and already knows the system.
Elina Aarnisalo with the ball on a string! 🤩
— Conrado Pascual (@CP3_777) November 14, 2025
Pretty fun seeing Aarnisalo speed-dribble from coast-to-coast. You don’t see too many players keep the ball that low to the ground when going to their protection dribble. Way harder for defenders to contain.pic.twitter.com/4Yj6qDgB8Z
Close has been working hard in the transfer portal to build the roster back up. The 2025 team was one of the best we will ever see. Close is built for building a team and knowing what exactly she wants. We have more than enough confidence that she will be able to handle business and she’s putting together a nice little team. Players that have multiple years of eligibility to grow in the system, especially one that’s been in it.
Add us as a preferred source on Google