Kennedy Sanders was on her way to a breakout season before a hip injury derailed her.
She intends to continue her unfinished business in Boulder.
On Saturday, the Colorado women’s basketball team announced that the redshirt sophomore point guard will return to the team next season, as she has signed a new agreement with the program.
“Returning to Colorado means a lot to me, with the culture we are cultivating, returning players and newcomers,” said Sanders. “I’m excited to see what we accomplish during this next year, and I can’t wait to be back playing in Boulder next season.”
Sanders is the third player from this season to announce a return for next year. Earlier this week, starting guard Zyanna Walker announced she is returning for her senior year. And, on Friday, the Buffs announced that freshman center Jade Crook will remain in Boulder. Like Sanders, Crook has signed a new agreement with the Buffs.
A 5-foot-8 redshirt sophomore from Chaska, Minnesota, Sanders is the longest-tenured Buff, as she will be heading into her fourth season in Boulder.
“We’re thrilled to have Kennedy returning for next season,” CU head coach JR Payne said. “Kennedy was poised for a breakout year before her injury and was playing great basketball before she was sidelined in December. It was incredible to see how she continued to be a strong leader for her teammates both on and off the court.”
Sanders started at point guard in 10 of the first 11 games this past season, but did not play after a Dec. 14 win against Miami-Ohio after electing to get season-ending hip surgery.
Prior to her surgery, Sanders averaged 9.3 points and 2.2 assists. After redshirting in 2023-24, she played in 29 games during the 2024-25 season, averaging 4.9 points and 2.3 assists off the bench.
Crook, a 6-4 freshman center from Australia, played in 33 of 34 games this season, averaging 11.0 minutes, 3.1 points and 2.0 rebounds per game.
“I’m really excited to be back for my sophomore season,” Crook said in a news release. “Colorado has become home for me. The people, the coaches, and the fans make it so special. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep growing here and can’t wait to get back to work with this team.”
Sanders and Walker are projected to be CU’s starting guards next season, while Crook will compete for a starting role in the frontcourt.
“JC’s work ethic and toughness embody everything our culture is about,” head coach JR Payne said in a press release. “I’m excited to see her growth over the coming months, and I have no doubt she’ll be a major force for us in the post next season.”
As of Saturday morning, no CU players from this season’s roster had announced intentions to enter the transfer portal when it opens Monday. The 14-day portal window runs from April 6-20, and the Buffs are likely to lose some players.
