University of North Carolina Athletics
October 29, 2026 | Women's Basketball
ATLANTA – The development of North Carolina women's basketball's Ciera Toomey has been undeniable, with her play recognized and honored with a spot on the 20-player Preseason Watch List for the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Award. Presented annually by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the organizing group honors the best college players of the year across the Naismith Starting 5 awards.
Carolina's leading returning scorer and rebounder, Toomey posted an average of 8.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last season. Out of Dunmore, Pa., Toomey set multiple career-highs last season with 19 points against UNCW and 15 rebounds against Georgia Tech. Her 15 boards were the most in a single game by a Tar Heel in 2025-26.
A force around the rim, Toomey racked up a total of 53 blocks last season for the most by a Tar Heel since 2023-24. Her team-high 1.5 rejections per game ranked fourth overall in the ACC.
Toomey and the No. 12 Tar Heels open the season Monday in Paris, France, for the 2026 Oui Play against No. 21 Oklahoma. Tip-off in the ranked matchup against the Sooners is set for 2:30 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN2.
Stay up to date with the latest North Carolina women's basketball news on X at @UNCWBB, Instagram @UNCWBB, and Facebook at Carolina Women's Basketball.
Carolina's leading returning scorer and rebounder, Toomey posted an average of 8.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last season. Out of Dunmore, Pa., Toomey set multiple career-highs last season with 19 points against UNCW and 15 rebounds against Georgia Tech. Her 15 boards were the most in a single game by a Tar Heel in 2025-26.
A force around the rim, Toomey racked up a total of 53 blocks last season for the most by a Tar Heel since 2023-24. Her team-high 1.5 rejections per game ranked fourth overall in the ACC.
Toomey and the No. 12 Tar Heels open the season Monday in Paris, France, for the 2026 Oui Play against No. 21 Oklahoma. Tip-off in the ranked matchup against the Sooners is set for 2:30 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN2.
Stay up to date with the latest North Carolina women's basketball news on X at @UNCWBB, Instagram @UNCWBB, and Facebook at Carolina Women's Basketball.
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