In what’s shaping up to be one of the most impressive recruiting hauls in program history, Gonzaga Women’s Basketball has officially landed a trio of 2026 standouts — combo guard Karisma Lewis, sharpshooter Brooklynn Haywood, and dominant forward Anika White. Each player pledged their commitment to the Bulldogs, choosing Gonzaga over several high-profile ACC and national contenders, signaling the program’s continuing rise as a West Coast powerhouse.
This trio’s commitment sends a strong message: Gonzaga’s women’s basketball is no longer just a consistent tournament team — it’s becoming a destination for elite national talent.
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The Commitments That Changed Gonzaga’s Future
Head coach Lisa Fortier and her staff have made a reputation for recruiting smart, high-IQ players who thrive in Gonzaga’s disciplined offensive system and defensive toughness. But this 2026 class represents something bigger — a national recruiting statement.
All three players bring unique skill sets that blend perfectly with Gonzaga’s style of play. The Bulldogs have built a culture around player development, consistency, and elite guard play — and Lewis, Haywood, and White each embody that philosophy while elevating the overall talent ceiling of the roster.
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Karisma Lewis: The Dynamic Combo Guard
Standing at 5-foot-10, Karisma Lewis from Dallas, Texas, is a name that’s been buzzing across the national recruiting circuit. Known for her versatility, she can run the point, play off the ball, and defend multiple positions with elite energy.
Lewis’s decision came after heavy recruitment from Louisville, Duke, and Notre Dame, but Gonzaga’s commitment to developing guards and its culture of trust ultimately won her over.
> “When I visited Spokane, it just felt like home,” Lewis said. “The coaches believed in my game and saw me as a leader, not just a player. I want to grow in an environment where winning and family mean everything — and that’s Gonzaga.”
On the court, Lewis excels as a two-way playmaker. Her ability to push the tempo, create off the dribble, and facilitate the offense makes her a perfect fit for Gonzaga’s transition-heavy attack. She’s also a fierce defender who can pressure the ball, something Fortier emphasizes in every possession.
Recruiting analysts describe Lewis as “a confident, cerebral guard who thrives in big moments.” Her basketball IQ and leadership make her the likely cornerstone of Gonzaga’s future backcourt.
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Brooklynn Haywood: The Elite Shooter with Scoring Punch
Joining Lewis in the backcourt is Brooklynn Haywood, a 6-foot shooting guard from Los Angeles, California, who turned heads with her incredible perimeter shooting and ability to stretch the floor. Haywood’s shot mechanics are among the best in her class, and she has the range to punish defenses from deep beyond the arc.
She chose Gonzaga over North Carolina, Oregon, and Stanford, citing the “family atmosphere” and “player-first coaching style” as key reasons for her decision.
> “The way Gonzaga develops its players — especially guards — is something I really respect,” Haywood explained. “They play with freedom and confidence, and that’s the kind of environment I wanted to be part of.”
Haywood brings more than just shooting; she’s an intelligent off-ball mover who understands spacing and defensive rotations. Her scoring versatility allows her to drive, finish in traffic, or pull up from mid-range. Combined with Lewis, Gonzaga now boasts one of the most dangerous young backcourts in the nation.
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Anika White: The Frontcourt Force
Rounding out the trio is Anika White, a 6-foot-3 forward from Seattle, Washington, whose interior presence and rebounding tenacity give Gonzaga a physical edge. White was heavily courted by Virginia, Miami, and Oregon State, but she opted to stay closer to home and join Gonzaga’s growing legacy of dominant forwards.
White is known for her power and versatility. She can play both the four and five spots, defend the paint, and run the floor in transition. Her footwork, soft touch around the rim, and mid-range shooting make her a tough matchup for any opponent.
> “I’ve watched Gonzaga for years, and I love how they play team basketball,” White said. “They develop players who win together, and I want to be part of that system.”
Her rebounding and rim protection are expected to make an immediate impact. With White anchoring the paint, the Bulldogs add strength and balance to a roster already known for its discipline and efficiency.
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A Program on the Rise
This trio’s commitment marks a defining moment for Gonzaga’s women’s basketball program. Coach Fortier, entering her second decade with the Zags, has built a foundation centered on player loyalty, development, and system-driven success.
Over the past few years, Gonzaga has consistently competed in the NCAA Tournament, often outperforming higher-seeded teams. But national recognition in recruiting has sometimes eluded them — until now.
With the 2026 class, the Bulldogs are breaking that ceiling. These commitments demonstrate that elite players now see Gonzaga as a national contender, not just a mid-major powerhouse.
> “We’re thrilled to welcome Karisma, Brooklynn, and Anika to the Gonzaga family,” Coach Fortier said in a statement. “They are not only talented basketball players but also incredible young women who fit perfectly with our values. Each of them brings something unique that will elevate our program.”
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How the Trio Fits Gonzaga’s Future Lineup
The 2026 recruiting class is strategically designed to complement Gonzaga’s existing core. Lewis and Haywood project as the future of the backcourt, capable of leading the offense and providing perimeter scoring. Meanwhile, White’s inside dominance will balance the attack, creating one of the most complete young rosters in the West.
Imagine a lineup with Lewis pushing the pace, Haywood stretching the defense with her shooting, and White dominating the boards — it’s a balanced, modern system built to compete with the best in the nation.
The trio’s chemistry, forged through national camps and AAU circuits, could make them one of the most cohesive freshman groups Gonzaga has ever seen.
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Turning Down the ACC: A Statement of Loyalty
Each player turned down offers from major ACC programs — a testament to Gonzaga’s growing pull on the national stage. The decision to choose Spokane over basketball giants like Duke, Louisville, and Miami underlines how far the program has come.
This isn’t just about facilities or tradition — it’s about trust, culture, and belief in long-term development. Gonzaga’s ability to out-recruit Power Five schools proves that its reputation for producing pros and champions is now undeniable.
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Fan Excitement and National Reaction
Gonzaga fans flooded social media within hours of the announcements, celebrating the trio’s decision. Analysts across ESPN, 247Sports, and Women’s Basketball Recruiting Network labeled the commitments as “program-changing.”
Recruiting expert Maria Donaldson called the class “one of the most balanced and talented incoming groups in the country.”
> “Fortier’s staff has been patient and strategic,” Donaldson said. “Landing Lewis, Haywood, and White in one class is a monumental step toward Gonzaga becoming a perennial Elite Eight program.”
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A Message to the Nation
The message is clear: Gonzaga is building for sustained excellence. The 2026 class isn’t just about talent — it’s about identity. These recruits embody the Bulldogs’ blend of toughness, teamwork, and skill, setting a foundation that could define the next decade of the program.
As women’s basketball continues to evolve into a national phenomenon, Gonzaga’s presence among the elite grows louder. With the arrival of Lewis, Haywood, and White, the Bulldogs are positioning themselves not just to compete — but to contend.
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Final Thoughts
The addition of Karisma Lewis, Brooklynn Haywood, and Anika White represents more than just recruiting success — it’s a turning point. Gonzaga has officially moved from being a respected challenger to an attractive destination for elite prospects nationwide.
These three rising stars chose belief over brand, development over fame, and culture over convenience — and that choice could be the spark that ignites Gonzaga’s next championship run.
Gonzaga Women’s Basketball has arrived — and with the 2026 class leading the way, the future in Spokane has never looked brighter.
