Continuity, modern roster management, and proven leadership remain at the heart of Maryland women’s basketball. Head coach Brenda Frese announced three significant promotions within her staff, strengthening the Terps’ bench ahead of the upcoming season with elevated roles for Carley Kuhns, Lindsey Spann Pough, and Noelle Cobb.
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The program announced updated titles across its staff: Carley Kuhns now serves as associate head coach and offensive specialist, Lindsey Spann Pough advances to assistant coach and assistant general manager, and Noelle Cobb assumes the role of assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
Bringing head coaching pedigree to College Park, Kuhns joined Frese’s sidelines in spring 2025 after a decorated six-year run at Samford that included two SoCon titles, a pair of March Madness bids, and back-to-back SoCon Coach of the Year honors in 2020 and 2021. Her immediate impact was felt in year one, helping Maryland topple three ranked opponents en route to the NCAA Second Round.
Frese displayed considerable excitement in announcing Kuhns’ elevation in the program.
“Carley and her family have been terrific additions to our program,” said Frese, per Umterps.com. “They bring so much more than just basketball. Year one together went so well, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. For me, it’s a real bonus to have a trusted staff member who’s been a head coach and has run a program.”
And it seems that Kuhns herself is looking forward to her new responsibilities.
“My first year here at Maryland has been such an incredible experience for not only myself, but for my entire family,” said Kuhns. “Working for Brenda and alongside this incredible staff has been one of the biggest blessings of my life and career. I’m honored Brenda believes in me to help continue to guide this program in the right direction! Go Terps!”
For six campaigns, Spann Pough directed Maryland’s recruiting infrastructure, supervising daily operations, prospective student-athlete visits, and official signings. Her time with the Terrapins has coincided with remarkable team success: a 173–53 (.765) mark, dual Big Ten regular-season and tournament championships in 2020 and 2021, four NCAA Sweet 16 finishes (2021–23, 2025), and a run to the Elite Eight in 2023.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of Assistant General Manager,” Pough said. “Serving as recruiting coordinator for the past six years has allowed me to grow, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to the success of our program in many ways. As women’s college basketball continues to evolve, I am excited to embrace new responsibilities, help navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead for our student-athletes, and continue coaching young women who are driven to compete at the highest level. I am thankful for Coach Frese’s trust and support throughout the years and look forward to many more successful seasons at Maryland.”
And as far as Noelle Cobb is concerned, over the last three seasons as director of recruiting, she managed daily recruiting efforts and hosted prospect visits.
Frese and Maryland management have given Cobb a chance to continue her development within the organization, given the growth she has witnessed in the last three years.
“Noelle came in young and hungry to learn,” said Frese. “She’s taken on every assignment we’ve thrown at her with real enthusiasm. I’m happy that she can continue to evolve in her role and do it while staying here with us. She has a real passion for helping the players in our program.”
As Maryland prepares for the new season, it kicked things off on a positive note, beating Virginia Tech in a preseason exhibition.
Maryland Off to A Winning Start Against Virginia Tech
A high-scoring exhibition opener in College Park saw Maryland pull away for a 93–82 win over Virginia Tech, with guard Oluchi Okananwa lighting it up for 23 points on 8-of-10 shooting to lead the charge.
This is certainly good news for Frese’s team, given that the Terps took a major roster hit this offseason, losing core 2025–26 contributors in Yarden Garzon, Saylor Poffenbarger, and Kaylene Smikle.
Tasked with replacing key departures, Nunu Agara delivered right out of the gate, pouring in 20 points in her Maryland debut start. The former Stanford standout, who twice garnered All-ACC second-team honors, joined the Terrapins for her final collegiate campaign.
It was a long-awaited comeback for Bri McDaniel, who stepped into the starting lineup for the first time since a severe ankle injury on Jan. 14, 2025, wiped out her entire 2025–26 campaign. She quickly made up for lost time, tallying 17 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including a clean make on her lone shot from deep.
A familiar foe awaits Maryland for its next game. The Terps stay home on Saturday, Oct. 24, for a 1 p.m. exhibition showdown with North Carolina, looking for a bit of preseason payback against the team that ended their March Madness run last spring.