It’s been an active transfer portal period for the Syracuse Orange, but the team is getting back one player who initially appeared to be departing.

Wing Shy Hawkins — who played in 32 games for the Orange in 2025-26, including 17 as a starter — announced in a post on social media that she is coming back to the program for her junior year.

Hawkins had previously entered the transfer portal earlier this month. The former four-star from the class of 2024 averaged 5.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game.

Hawkins’ return is notable considering Syracuse is losing a lot of names from its 2025-26 team, which made it to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament.

As of Sunday, six players are departing via the portal: Camdyn Nelson (Northwestern), Justus Fitzgerald, Sophie Burrows (UNC), Maddie Potts (St.Joseph’s), Jasmyn Cooper, and Aurora Almón.

So far, Syracuse has secured a commitment from former Oregon forward Sarah Rambus. Syracuse is also returning star center Uche Izoje, plus Angelica Velez, Olivia Schmitt, Keira Scott, recruit Madison Howard, and now Hawkins.