NORTHAMPTON - The Smith College basketball team, under the direction of 20th-year head coach
Lynn Hersey, will welcome five newcomers to the program for the 2026-27 season. The incoming class features five first-years --
Breena Hannon (East Providence, RI/Northfield Mount Hermon),
Ella Trefethen (Bow, NH/Milton Academy),
Gabriella Mittelman (Glen Rock, NJ/Northern Valley Demarest),
Gracie Ward (Frederick, CO/Holy Family), and
Summer Warren (Canton, MA/Brooks School).
Breena Hannon (East Providence, RI/Northfield Mount Hermon)
5'10 Guard
Before Smith: NEPSAC Class AA All-Star...All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention...NEPSAC Class AA Defensive Player of the Year
Hersey on Hannon: "Breena is an athletic, physical and dynamic guard who impacts the game on both ends of the floor. A true two-way playmaker, she scores at all three levels, creates opportunities for her teammates, and brings toughness and physicality to our program."
Ella Trefethen (Bow, NH/Milton Academy)
5'3 Guard
Before Smith: 2025-26 NEPSAC Girls Class A Player of the Year Watchlist...2x NEPSGBCA All-Star...2x NEPSAC All-Star...New Hampshire All-State Honorable Mention...Patriot Ledger All-Scholastic...NE Basketball Journal Honorable Mention...Team Captain
Why Smith: "I chose Smith because of the basketball team culture and the academic rigor."
Hersey on Trefethen: "Ella is an elite guard whose basketball IQ, playmaking ability, and leadership will make an impact on our program. A two-time All-NEPSAC selection, she brings toughness, poise, and a competitive edge that will elevate everyone around her."
Gabriella Mittelman (Glen Rock, NJ/Northern Valley Demarest)
5'6 Guard
Before Smith: 2026 Bergen County Champions...2026 Big North National League Champions...All-time leading scorer (1,557 career points)...4x First Team All-Big North National Division...3x First Team All-Bergen County...2x First Team All-North Jersey Group 3...2x First Team All-North Jersey...3x Team Captain
Why Smith: "I chose Smith College because of its strong academics and the opportunity to be part of a nationally recognized and competitive basketball program. The coaches' and players' commitment to building a strong team culture and pursuing success showed me that Smith was the best fit for me, both on and off the court."
Hersey on Mittelman: "Gabriella is a dynamic guard with the ability to score from all three levels while creating opportunities for her teammates. A two-time All-Conference selection and and 1,000 point scorer, she brings proven production, poise, and versatility to Smith basketball."
Gracie Ward (Frederick, CO/Holy Family)
5'4 Guard
Before Smith: 2026 Colorado 4A Player of the Year...1x 1st Team 4A All-State...2x 4A State Champion...2x Varsity Captain...2x First Team All-Conference...1,000 point scorer...School record holder for most 3-pointers in a season (67)...School record holder for most career 3-pointers (149)
Why Smith: "I chose Smith because of the team culture and coaches. I knew from when I first started talking to them they truly cared for who I was as a person but also would develop and push me past my limits as a player. I also loved the competitiveness of the program and how everyone on the team is dedicated to working towards a National Championship. Lastly, the high challenging academics was something that I knew would prepare me for life post college."
Hersey on Ward: "Gracie is an explosive, three-level scoring guard with an elite basketball IQ and the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. After leading Colorado in three-pointers made and earning the 4A Player of the Year, we're thrilled she chose Smith to continue her journey."
Summer Warren (Canton, MA/Brooks School)
6'0 Forward
Before Smith: 3x All-NEPSAC...3x ISL All-League...3x NEPSAC Class B All-Star...2025 and 2026 NEPSAC Class B Player of the Year nominee...1,000 point scorer...ISL Honorable Mention...NEPSAC Honrable Mention...Senior Captain
Why Smith: "I chose smith because of the incredible team culture, supportive coaching staff, and sense of belonging I felt throughout the recruiting process. I wanted to be part of a program and school that empowers women to use their voices and become the best versions of themselves while pursuing an exceptional academic education."
Hersey on Warren: "Summer is a versatile post player with an exceptional inside-out game, combining size, strength, and physicality with the agility and skill to impact the game in multiple ways. A three-time All-NEPSAC selection and 1,000-point scorer, she brings maturity, leadership, and a competitive edge to our program."
The five-member class brings a blend of championship experience, academic excellence, and positional versatility to the Birthplace as the Bears prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.
About Smith Athletics Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information, log on to GoSmithBears.com and follow the Bears on Facebook and Instagram.
