Ines Bettencourt Joined Gonzaga Women’s Basketball Roster
The guard secured a fifth year of eligibility following a successful legal challenge in California.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Basketball
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Ines Bettencourt has been officially added to the 2026-27 Gonzaga women's basketball roster. The player secured an additional year of college eligibility after joining a lawsuit in California that included 73 other plaintiffs.
Why it matters
Bettencourt sought the fifth year of eligibility to extend her collegiate playing career. The move adds experience to the Spokane-based program as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Bettencourt previously averaged 6.2 points, 2.8 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game at Gonzaga. She will wear jersey number 0 for the upcoming season after previously wearing number 8.
The players
Ines Bettencourt
She is a veteran guard who previously played for UConn before transferring to Gonzaga.
Gonzaga
It is the university based in Spokane that hosts a competitive women's basketball program.
Teryn Gardner
She is a player on the Gonzaga roster known for her significant three-point shooting accuracy.
The details
Bettencourt gained her fifth year of eligibility after a California state court issued a temporary restraining order. She is now set to compete for the Zags, adding depth to a squad that also features Teryn Gardner, who shot 46% from three-point range while playing 19.8 minutes per game last season.
Timeline
Bettencourt made a Final Four appearance with UConn in 2024.
Gonzaga released the official 2026-27 roster on September 21, 2026.
Gonzaga hosts the Numerica FanFest on October 10, 2026.
Gonzaga opens the season against North Dakota State on November 2, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The addition of Bettencourt bolsters the Gonzaga rotation as they look to build upon their previous success in the 2024 Final Four. Her presence provides the team with a veteran presence as they navigate a challenging non-conference and league schedule.
Bettencourt now occupies a roster spot and will contribute to the team's backcourt depth for the duration of the 2026-27 season. Her eligibility status allows her to participate in all scheduled games, starting with the season opener on November 2.
The takeaway
The successful legal challenge highlights the growing complexity of collegiate athlete eligibility in the current landscape. Fans should monitor roster developments closely as court decisions continue to impact player availability throughout the season.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's progress, visit the Basketball section.
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