BYU Women’s Basketball lands star point guard in major recruiting win

The building blocks for BYU women’s basketball’s future just got stronger.

With a fresh new era on the horizon, first year head coach Lee Cummard isn’t wasting time making his mark. On Monday, the Cougars officially signed four-star point guard Sydney Benally — a game-changing addition who brings both pedigree and potential to Provo.

A two-time New Mexico Gatorade Player of the Year, Benally isn’t just a promising prospect — she’s a proven performer. Averaging 20 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 3.2 steals per game during her senior season, she dominated on both ends of the court. “She can score it, assist it, steal it and plays the game with a winner’s mentality,” said Cummard. That stat line makes it clear: Benally isn’t coming to BYU to warm the bench — she’s arriving to lead.

Originally committed to Ivy League power Princeton, Benally’s late decision to pivot and join BYU speaks volumes about the direction the program is heading under Cummard. Her choice also reinforces BYU’s growing national pull — beating out schools like UNLV and Northwestern in the process. With academic and athletic options on the table, Benally’s commitment signals that the Cougars are now competing at a higher recruiting tier.

Benally joins a strong incoming class that includes Braeden Gunlock, Olivia Hamlin, Yussuf Bolanle, and Mariam Traore, plus senior transfer Lara Rohkohl. With a mix of youth and experience, Cummard is shaping a roster built for long-term success. The chemistry and versatility in this group set the stage for a quick turnaround — and possibly a surprise WCC run in the near future.

Cougar fans should take note — Lee Cummard’s blueprint is starting to take shape, and it’s not just about the future. With Benally and this recruiting class, BYU women’s basketball is signaling it’s ready to compete now.