Texas A&M forward Essence Cody will miss the entire 2026-27 season as she prepares for the arrival of her first child in January 2027. The 6-foot-4 senior center, who transferred to Texas A&M after three seasons at Alabama, announced her pregnancy and decision to sit out the upcoming campaign in a statement released by the university.
“Becoming a mother is the biggest blessing of my life,” Cody said. “I want you to hear this news from me. I am expecting my first child in January, and I will be sitting out for the 2026-27 season to prepare for my baby’s arrival.” She added that her family, coaches, and teammates have supported her fully since sharing the news. “I am stepping into this new chapter with a full and grateful heart. People always say it takes a village. Mine is the best anyone could ask for.”
Cody was expected to be a foundational player for Texas A&M under head coach Joni Taylor, who praised her handling of the situation. “We are incredibly proud of Essence. She has handled everything with grace and we know she is going to be an incredible mother,” Taylor said in a university statement. “Our main priority is to provide her and her child with all of the care we possibly can to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. Essence’s leadership will be pivotal for us this season and we can’t wait to have her back on the court with us next year. We know that the 12th Man will rally behind her and her precious baby.”
Before transferring, Cody made three NCAA Tournament appearances with Alabama, averaging 13.2 points and six rebounds per game over three seasons. Her arrival at Texas A&M was seen as a boost for a team looking to return to the NCAA Tournament after missing out the previous two seasons.
Cody is one of six newcomers to the Aggies’ roster this season, joining top recruits Rieyan DeSouze and Jayda Porter, along with transfers Kailyn Gilbert from LSU, Kaniya Boyd from Tennessee, and Miyah Verse from Georgia.
Despite sitting out the upcoming season, Cody plans to return to the team for the 2027-28 season to complete her senior year. “This year, I get to watch the game I love from a different seat. I plan to soak up every single moment and lead from the sidelines,” she said. “When I step onto the court again next season, I will bring everything that this year teaches me, plus the newest member of the 12th Man. Thank you for already loving me and my little one. I will be the loudest voice on our bench all year. See you at Reed Arena for the 2027-28 season.”
Texas A&M’s 2026-27 campaign will begin at home against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Monday, November 2. The team and its fans will face the season without Cody on the court but with her leadership still present from the sidelines.
According to Yahoo Sports.
