San Diego State Adds Three Transfers to Basketball Team
The Aztecs welcome new guards Eva DeChent, Alayna Kraus, and Nayli Padilla to their roster.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Basketball
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San Diego State University has signed three transfer guards to strengthen its women's basketball program. The roster additions come as the team prepares for its inaugural season in the Pac-12 conference.
Why it matters
The recruitment effort aims to fill significant roster vacancies created following the departure of several players from the previous season. The new additions are currently integrating into team practices that emphasize defensive standards.
Eva DeChent averaged 18.1 points per game at New Hampshire, while Alayna Kraus recorded 15.8 points per game at Southern Illinois. Nayli Padilla arrives after a sophomore season at New Mexico where she hit 52 total 3-pointers.
The players
San Diego State University
This public research university in San Diego serves as the home for the Aztecs athletic program.
Eva DeChent
A transfer guard who previously averaged 18.1 points per game as a junior at the University of New Hampshire.
Alayna Kraus
A new guard for the Aztecs who arrives following a tenure at Southern Illinois where she averaged 15.8 points per game.
Nayli Padilla
A transfer athlete who played at the University of New Mexico and previously represented Spain in international competition.
The details
The coaching staff finalized the recruitment of the three athletes over a three-week period. These players are now participating in intensive practice sessions at San Diego State University to align with the program's defensive expectations.
Timeline
Nayli Padilla represented Spain at the U18 Euro Championships in 2023.
Nayli Padilla played at the University of New Mexico from 2024 to 2026.
The Aztecs play their season opener against Cal State Fullerton on Nov. 2, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The arrival of these three guards aligns with the program's jump to the Pac-12 conference, a move that requires a deeper and more experienced roster. These signings directly impact the team's ability to compete immediately against new regional and national rivals in the upcoming season.
These transfers address critical backcourt needs, providing the team with three reliable scorers for the rotation. Fans can expect to see these new additions integrated into the lineup during the season opener at Viejas Arena.
The takeaway
Building a competitive roster through the transfer portal has become a standard strategy for teams making the jump to high-major conferences. Fans looking to follow the Aztecs this year should keep an eye on how these new guards perform in the opening nonconference games.
What happens next
The Aztecs play a nonconference game against Cal State Fullerton on Nov. 2, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the upcoming schedule, visit the San Diego Basketball page.
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