Courtney Banghart and the North Carolina Tar Heels have achieved a significant milestone in their recruiting efforts with the commitment of five-star point guard Kate Harpring. Ranked among the top five players in the 2026 recruiting class across major scouting platforms, Harpring made her decision official on Saturday.
Playing for Marist School in Atlanta, Harpring holds impressive rankings: No. 1 by 247 Sports, No. 4 by ESPN, and No. 2 by On3, making her the top recruit to join UNC during Banghart’s tenure. Noted scout Brandon Clay praised her rapid rise in national recognition, highlighting her offensive capabilities and strong defensive skills as key attributes that set her apart in her class. “Harpring is powerful with the basketball in her hands, and her willingness to defend the top offensive players while also contributing on the boards is unique,” Clay stated.
The Tar Heels successfully secured Harpring despite competition from several prestigious programs, including Iowa, LSU, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Tennessee, and UConn. This commitment is particularly meaningful as Kate is the daughter of former NBA player Matt Harpring, who had a notable career after being a first-round selection in the 1998 NBA Draft.
In another boost to the Tar Heels’ recruiting efforts, Harpring’s commitment follows closely behind that of center Noelle Bofia from Phoenix, who announced her decision to join the team just a day earlier.
This remarkable recruiting success signals a bright future for Banghart and the UNC program, as they continue to attract top talent to enhance their competitive edge. With players like Harpring joining the team, the expectations for the coming seasons only grow stronger.