'Just what we needed': Transfer Grace Townsend finds perfect fit at UNC in final year

Four years ago, Grace Townsend was a 5-foot-5 walk-on for the University of Richmond. By March 2024, she was one of two players head coach Courtney Banghart targeted out of the portal. 

Following a 469-point season that earned Townsend Atlantic 10 All Championship Team and All-Conference First Team honors last year, the graduate guard's entrance into the transfer portal caught the attention of many elite programs. But Banghart’s unique approach to recruiting stood out to Townsend while searching for the perfect fit in her final year of collegiate basketball. 

“When I went in [the transfer portal], I talked to Coach Banghart the entire time,” Townsend said. “Most of the time when you go in the portal you talk to assistant coaches.” 

Unlike typical portal discussions focused on serving a role for the team, Townsend's first conversation with Banghart was different. During her first call with Banghart, the two didn’t discuss basketball once. 

Instead, Banghart worked to know Townsend on a personal level, asking about her family and hobbies. The two talked almost everyday after Townsend’s entrance into the transfer portal. So, when the guard came to Chapel Hill, she felt at home. 

“When we got on campus, it becomes, now we know each other, let’s talk about basketball,” Townsend said. “Let's talk about what we need from each other.”

Although Townsend considers herself an introvert, immediately after talking to the rest of the team during her official visit, she said she felt so comfortable.

Two days later, she canceled her other scheduled visits to Michigan State and Maryland. On the way back home, her mom, Michelle, became emotional at what UNC had to offer and what it meant for Townsend as her final step. 

“As soon as I left, me and my parents both knew this was it,” Townsend said. 

Now, it has been over five months since Townsend announced her decision to become a Tar Heel. Even with four years of collegiate experience, she is learning to adapt to the North Carolina system. 

Townsend said she almost felt like a first-year all over again, molding to her new team. But Banghart continues to support her during her adjustment. 

“She's encouraged me to be more vocal, to [get] comfortable [and] play the way I know how to play,” Townsend said. 

And Townsend knows how to play at a high level. Last year, Townsend helped lead her team to an Atlantic 10 Tournament Championship win, as well as a regular season title. 

Graduate forward Alyssa Ustby said Townsend has the experience and knowledge that teams want in players. 

“Especially since we lost so many girls [from last season], it’s really important to have other girls that can come in and contribute at the volume that Grace can, with that tournament experience," Ustby said. 

On the court, Banghart said Townsend is probably the fastest kid she's seen. Townsend recorded the quickest times in the team mile and the team sprints. Her ability to play fast allows her to push to the floor as a point guard. 

Outside of her basketball skills, Banghart expressed high admiration for Townsend’s personality, pointing to her coachability and the joy she brings to the team.  

“She’s just what we needed,” Banghart said.  

As she prepares to enter her final year of eligibility, Townsend is determined to make every moment count. 

“This is my last year,” Townsend said. “I want to go as far as I can and compete as hard as I can.”  

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