Becky Burke Secures Major Recruit for Arizona’s 2026 Class
Becky Burke, Arizona’s women’s basketball head coach, has been on fire on the recruiting trail, securing a huge commitment for the 2026 class. 
Since taking over as head coach, Burke has been working hard to build the roster for the 2025-26 season while also assembling a strong coaching staff, recruiting top-tier assistant coaches from across the country. Before joining Arizona, Burke had already established herself as a successful head coach at four different programs, where she helped turn teams around. Her overall coaching record stands at 174-92 since starting her career in 2016.
“I want to thank President (Suresh) Garimella and Desireé for the incredible opportunity to lead Arizona Women’s Basketball, a program with such a rich tradition,” Burke said. “Wildcat fans truly understand how elite culture plays a role in building championship-caliber teams. Our staff is ready to turn that vision into reality as we make Tucson our home.”
Following a disappointing 2024-25 season, in which the Wildcats went 19-14 and missed the NCAA Tournament, Burke faced the challenge of rebuilding the roster. Most of the previous season’s players left, with only forward Montaya Dew remaining. As a result, Burke quickly worked to bring in a mix of transfers and recruits to fill the gaps.
With the 2025-26 roster in place, Burke is now focusing on future recruiting classes to restore the program to national prominence. Recently, she landed a commitment from forward Priyanka Ponnam for the 2026 class, with Ponnam making her announcement on social media.
Ponnam, a 6-foot-3, three-star forward from Newtown, Pa., played at George High School, where she averaged 12.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 1.1 SPG last season, shooting 41% from beyond the arc in 25 games.
This commitment demonstrates Burke’s impressive recruiting skills, as she was able to tap into her East Coast connections to land a highly talented player for the Wildcats.
While Arizona’s future recruiting efforts may focus on securing four- and five-star prospects, Ponnam’s addition shouldn’t be overlooked. Despite her three-star rating, her ability to stretch the floor at 6-foot-3 is a skill that’s highly valued in modern college basketball.
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