Former four-star Camdyn Nelson becomes the first transfer to Northwestern for the 2026-27 season.
With the transfer portal having opened for six days, Northwestern women's basketball has finally acquired its first player from the portal under new head coach Carla Berube.
Former Syracuse point guard Camdyn Nelson announced her transfer to Northwestern on Sunday via Instagram. She officially entered the portal on April 5 after her freshman year with the Orange. The 5-foot-8 point guard played 19 games for Syracuse, averaging 1.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists. She made all three of her collegiate starts in Syracuse's first three games against Stony Brook, UAlbany and Canisius, averaging 3.0 points, 2.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds.
From Greenwich, Conn., Nelson built an outstanding high school resume at St. Luke's School. As a senior, she earned Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year honors after averaging 17.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.7 steals per game. She led the Storm to the NEPSAC Class B championship game that season.
During her four years with the team, she helped St. Luke's win two FAA (Fairchester Athletic Association) League Championships and a Class D title.
Interestingly, Nelson was a former teammate of Caroline Lau, who finished her final season with the 'Cats leading the country with 8.4 assists per game. Nelson and Lau played together during the 2021-22 season when Lau was a senior and Nelson was an emerging freshman. They helped lead the Storm to significant success in the NEPSAC. Under Nelson's Instagram announcement, Lau commented, "just incredible."
Before her stint in the ACC, Nelson was a four-star recruit and the No. 91-ranked player in the Class of 2025 by 247Sports. Although she didn't play a major role considering Syracuse's roster depth — which helped the Orange advance to the NCAA Tournament's second round before losing to UConn this year — Nelson provides sharpshooting ability that could be crucial for a Northwestern team that struggled with perimeter shooting last season. She shot 39% from three-point range in high school.
As the first pickup under Berube, Nelson brings ACC experience to Northwestern and bolsters the backcourt depth the 'Cats have been searching for following Lau's graduation. She could play a key role as Northwestern builds a more dynamic rotation under the new era in Evanston.
Following Grace Sullivan and five others graduating, plus Tayla Thomas and Angelina Hodgens entering the transfer portal, the 'Cats currently have eight players from last season on the roster, with five guards already signed. Adding Nelson brings additional depth to Berube's new-look Northwestern.
With the portal closing April 20, the team looks to target a couple more additions to fill the frontcourt void left by Sullivan and Thomas' departures.