The Eastern Kentucky University women’s basketball team announced on May 5 the addition of forward Nicole Fritea to its roster for the 2026-27 season. Head coach Greg Todd said that Fritea, a transfer from the University of Maryland, is the second player to join EKU through the transfer portal this offseason, bringing next year’s roster to nine players.
Fritea spent her freshman year at Maryland, where she played in 12 games and appeared in five Big Ten contests as part of a nationally ranked program. Her experience includes helping Maryland reach the NCAA Tournament and advance to the Second Round. “Nicole brings a unique combination of international play and high-level college basketball experience from her time at Maryland,” said Todd. “She has great size, touch and feel for the game. We’re excited about the impact she can have on our program moving forward.”
During her time with Maryland, Fritea scored a total of 12 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while playing in a developmental role. She made her first collegiate basket against Towson on Nov. 13, 2025, and achieved a season-high three points twice during games against Bethune-Cookman and Delaware State.
Before joining college basketball in the United States, Fritea represented Romania’s U18, U19, and U20 national teams for three consecutive years from 2023–25. She led her country in rebounding and player efficiency each year during that span while also playing club basketball for CSB Oradea.
In international competition at events such as EuroBasket qualifiers between 2024 and 2025, Fritea averaged between five to nearly nine points per game depending on tournament year; she recorded standout performances including an 18-point effort against U20 Great Britain and multiple games with double-digit rebounds or blocks.
Eastern Kentucky recently captured its eleventh conference championship by winning the Atlantic Sun Conference regular-season title in 2026—a milestone that included three straight seasons with over twenty wins under Coach Todd’s leadership. Four Colonels earned all-conference honors last season.
Fritea is expected to arrive on campus this summer ahead of offseason workouts.
