BREAKING NEWS: Senior Guard Vanessa de Jesus Announces Decision to Enter Transfer Portal
In a surprising development for the Duke Blue Devils women’s basketball program, senior guard Vanessa de Jesus has announced her decision to enter the transfer portal after a standout five-season tenure with the team. De Jesus made the announcement earlier today, ending an era of success and leadership at Duke.
De Jesus, who has been a cornerstone of the Blue Devils’ offense since her freshman year, leaves behind a legacy of significant achievements. Over her career, the 5’10” guard has amassed over 1,500 career points and consistently ranked as one of the team’s top performers. Known for her exceptional basketball IQ, smooth shooting stroke, and clutch performances, de Jesus helped guide Duke to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and deep runs during her career.
The decision to enter the transfer portal comes as a shock to many, especially given the success de Jesus experienced during her time at Duke. The senior guard has been a key figure in Head Coach Kara Lawson’s plans, playing a critical role in Duke’s backcourt alongside other standout players. She was instrumental in the Blue Devils’ dominant 2024-2025 season, which saw them reach the Sweet 16, and her leadership on and off the court made her a fan favorite.
However, in a statement released earlier today, de Jesus explained her decision to explore other opportunities for her final season of eligibility. “This has been a difficult decision, but I feel it’s time for me to take the next step in my journey,” she said. “Duke has been an incredible place for me to grow as both a player and a person, and I will always cherish my time here. However, I believe it’s the right time to explore new challenges and opportunities in my final year of eligibility.”
Coach Kara Lawson expressed her gratitude for de Jesus’ contributions to the team, acknowledging the impact she has had on the Blue Devils’ program. “Vanessa has been an invaluable part of our team for the past five seasons,” Lawson said. “Her talent, work ethic, and leadership have set a standard for all of us. We understand her decision and support her as she moves forward in her career. We wish her nothing but the best in the future.”
De Jesus’ decision to transfer is likely to make waves across the women’s college basketball landscape. Given her impressive track record and versatile skill set, the senior guard is expected to draw significant interest from top programs across the country. A true dual threat, de Jesus has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor and is also an excellent passer and defender, making her a well-rounded player who can immediately contribute to a high-level program.
While the news is a loss for Duke, it also opens up new opportunities for younger players within the program. Duke will now look to fill the void left by de Jesus’ departure, with rising stars expected to take on larger roles moving forward. The Blue Devils have several promising recruits and returning players who will look to step up and help the team remain a national contender.
As de Jesus prepares for the next phase of her career, the basketball world will be watching closely to see where her next destination will be. The senior guard has proven herself to be one of the best in the country, and wherever she lands, her presence will undoubtedly elevate that program.