By John "Woods" Armwood III
Arizona women’s basketball didn’t just land a commitment for the future, it secured a player built for it. Priyanka Ponnam, a 2026 forward out of Blair Academy, arrives with versatility, confidence, and a sense of purpose that extends far beyond the box score. For the Wildcats, she represents both immediate promise and long-term impact.
A Future Piece with a Complete Game
“I’m super excited to play at a high level,” Ponnam said. “One of the best programs in the country, best fan base.”
From the beginning, the opportunity felt aligned. Her relationship with head coach Becky Burk laid the foundation, but the visit sealed it.
Why Arizona Felt Like Home
There was one moment that put everything into perspective: stepping inside McKale Center.
“That’s where we play,” Ponnam said. “Just looking at the stadium, the seats, it’s huge. Knowing they have one of the biggest fan bases in the country, 10,000 people at games.”
“Once I met the team and the coaching staff, I just knew I wanted to be there. It was full everything.”
Built by Blair, Prepared for the Next Level
“It’s almost like eight hours in the gym,” she said. “It really prepares you for the next level.”
Being surrounded by elite talent elevated her standard. Watching leaders like Zaina, and seeing former Blair players thrive in college, showed her what was possible if she stayed consistent.
Her “Sh3GotGame Moment" came during her junior year, when she knocked down seven threes and finished with 25 points.
"That game built my confidence,” she said. “I was like, yeah — I can do this.”
Identity, Energy, and Purpose
“I’ll scream after an and-one,” she said. “I want to get the crowd hyped.”
“Being the first would mean everything,” she said. “If young girls see me and believe they can do it too, that’s special.”
Arizona is getting more than a recruit. It’s getting a connector — between cultures, generations, and the future of the game.
