Colorado University Athletics
Claire O’Connor Re-signs With Colorado For 2026-27 Season
April 12, 2026 | Women's Basketball
BOULDER – The Colorado women's basketball team has announced its sixth re-signing in just a little over a week as junior guard Claire O'Connor (Bellevue, Wash./Lakeside HS) will return to the Buffaloes roster for the 2026-27 season, head coach JR Payne announced Sunday, April 12.
O'Connor saw action in eight games for the Buffs during the nonconference season before getting sidelined by injury. In her Buff debut against New Mexico, she shot 50% from the field (5-10), totaling 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
"We're so excited to have Claire back for her redshirt junior year," head coach JR Payne said. "Her love for the game shows in the time and effort she pours into it every single day. I can't wait to see her healthy and thriving next season."
O'Connor has been a steady support to her teammates while out with her injury, both on and off the court. She finished her time on court in the 2025-26 season with 29 points, 10 rebounds, five steals and three assists. O'Connor looks to make a big impact on the Buffs' offense as she comes back for next season.
"Not being able to play last year was tough, but it made this moment mean even more," O'Connor stated. "I'm so excited to be back in Boulder and can't wait to compete in front of Buff Nation again."
O'Connor joins a steadily growing list of players who have announced they are returning to the Buffaloes next season, including Zyanna Walker, Jade Crook, Kennedy Sanders, Maeve McErlane, and Sophie Zadel.
Colorado women's basketball wrapped up the 2025-26 season with its 17th NCAA Tournament appearance all-time, falling 66-57 in the First Round to seven-seed Illinois (Mar. 21). CU finished sixth in the Big 12 conference with an 11-7 record, going 22-12 overall and 14-3 at home. The Buffs have won over 20 games in each of the last five seasons and have appeared in the NCAA Tournament in four of the last five years.
For more information on the Colorado women's basketball team, please visit cubuffs.com/wbb. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffswbb on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
O'Connor saw action in eight games for the Buffs during the nonconference season before getting sidelined by injury. In her Buff debut against New Mexico, she shot 50% from the field (5-10), totaling 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
"We're so excited to have Claire back for her redshirt junior year," head coach JR Payne said. "Her love for the game shows in the time and effort she pours into it every single day. I can't wait to see her healthy and thriving next season."
O'Connor has been a steady support to her teammates while out with her injury, both on and off the court. She finished her time on court in the 2025-26 season with 29 points, 10 rebounds, five steals and three assists. O'Connor looks to make a big impact on the Buffs' offense as she comes back for next season.
"Not being able to play last year was tough, but it made this moment mean even more," O'Connor stated. "I'm so excited to be back in Boulder and can't wait to compete in front of Buff Nation again."
O'Connor joins a steadily growing list of players who have announced they are returning to the Buffaloes next season, including Zyanna Walker, Jade Crook, Kennedy Sanders, Maeve McErlane, and Sophie Zadel.
Colorado women's basketball wrapped up the 2025-26 season with its 17th NCAA Tournament appearance all-time, falling 66-57 in the First Round to seven-seed Illinois (Mar. 21). CU finished sixth in the Big 12 conference with an 11-7 record, going 22-12 overall and 14-3 at home. The Buffs have won over 20 games in each of the last five seasons and have appeared in the NCAA Tournament in four of the last five years.
For more information on the Colorado women's basketball team, please visit cubuffs.com/wbb. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffswbb on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's BasketballClaire O'Connor is returning for the 2026-27 season | Colorado Women's Basketball
Sunday, April 12
Maeve McErlane is returning for the 2026-27 season | Colorado Women's Basketball
Monday, April 06
Sophie Zadel is returning for the 2026-27 season | Colorado Women's Basketball
Monday, April 06
Kennedy Sanders is returning for the 2026-27 season | Colorado Women's Basketball
Friday, April 03