Kentucky WBB picks up commitment from 2026 4-star guard Emily McDonald

Folks, Kenny Brooks is cooking once again on the recruiting trail.

On Wednesday evening, four-star class of 2026 prospect Emily McDonald announced that she has committed to the Kentucky women’s basketball program. The 6-foot guard out of Long Island Lutheran (NY) is rated No. 36 overall in her class by the Rivals Industry Ranking and is considered the seventh-best combo guard. McDonald went on an unofficial visit to Kentucky in March and returned for an official visit in September.

“Thank you to everyone who has guided me throughout this process!” McDonald wrote on social media. “Thank you to the entire staff at Kentucky for giving me this opportunity!! Excited to get to Lexington and get to work!! #BBN”

McDonald chose the Wildcats over offers from the likes of South Carolina, TCU, Maryland and Michigan State, North Carolina, and Virginia Tech, among others. She went on visits over the summer to the likes of Michigan, Baylor, and TCU. This is another significant recruiting win for the Kentucky staff.

1000% COMMITTED!! 💙💙

Thank you to everyone who has guided me throughout this process! Thank you to the entire staff at Kentucky for giving me this opportunity!! Excited to get to Lexington and get to work!! #BBN 😻 pic.twitter.com/4ZPR0dfWi9

— Emily McDonald (@Emily_McD18) October 8, 2025

McDonald joins what is now a three-woman 2026 recruiting class for Brooks, which also includes five-star talents Maddyn Greenway (No. 9 overall) and Savvy Swords (No. 10). Of note, McDonald is a current teammate with Swords at Long Island Lutheran. You won’t find a better trio of high school commits for one team right now — a big-time add for the future of the program. You can watch some highlights of the future ‘Cat below.

Watch KSR’s Rapid Reaction to McDonald’s commitment

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