In just 56 days, Gracie Markle made a brief journey from Pennsylvania to Maryland and back to Pennsylvania.
Yes, it’s true.
Well, sort of.
Markle, a 6-foot-6 redshirt junior center, entered the transfer portal on March 25, tagged with a Do-Not-Contact status. Despite being on a struggling team—the Nittany Lions finished 1-17 in conference play last season—she gained attention for her solid performance, averaging 15.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. With a field goal percentage of 67%, she showcased a nice touch around the basket.
On April 5, she took to Instagram to announce her commitment to Maryland, complete with a graphic of her in a terrapin jersey that read “Go Terps.” With her signing, the Terps assembled a strong transfer portal class, including ACC tournament MVP Oluchi Okananwa from Duke and Indiana’s Yarden Garzon, known as an All-Big Ten Selection and 3-and-D specialist.
In a video posted on social media, Markle expressed her excitement about joining the Terps, mentioning, “I chose Maryland. I developed a relationship with the coaching staff and players right from my first visit.”
However, all those statements, news releases, and graphics—seemed a bit pointless.
Because Markle actually had no plans to play basketball at the University of Maryland.
She returned to Pennsylvania and announced that she was, in fact, back home.
“Plot Twist! After much thought, prayer, and discussions with my family, I requested to be released from UMD,” Markle shared on Instagram. “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity, but I’ve decided to return to Penn State!!! Thank you for all your love and support.”
So, how did this happen? How did she transfer to a new school and then turn around a month later?
SB Nation reached out to several coaches, agents, and other insiders within women’s college basketball to get a better insight into the situation.
Who is Gracie Markle?
She’s a promising center from Mount Washington, Kentucky. She began her college career at Bellarmine, where as a true freshman, she averaged 14.6 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, ranking second nationally in shooting percentage at 70.1%. She also made a name for herself by finishing 16th in rebounds per game and earned the ASUN Rookie of the Year Award.
After sitting out her sophomore season with an injury, Markle transferred to Penn State, where she continued to put up solid numbers in a tougher Big Ten competition. Despite the Nittany Lions’ struggles, she had a decent season, earning honorable mention recognition in the Big Ten.
With not many true post players in the portal this year, Markle was highly sought after as someone capable of scoring down low and rebounding effectively.
In early April, she signed with Maryland.
What did Markle sign?
Markle reportedly signed a financial agreement, as confirmed by various sources.
The issue is that these financial contracts differ from the National Letter of Intent (NLI) high school recruits used to sign when committing to a college. The NCAA eliminated the NLI program in October, which had been in place since 1964.
The NLI was a binding agreement between the player and the chosen program, making it difficult to back out.
New financial contracts, however, are much more flexible.
One Power 4 assistant coach summed it up: “You can find a way out of your financial contract, as long as you haven’t physically attended campus or started workouts. These are essentially verbal commitments.”
The NLI was removed amid predictions of changing times in the NCAA.
An agent referred to financial contracts as “just mous”—or memoranda of understanding—essentially non-binding agreements.
“A financial aid contract means little until you actually attend classes,” another assistant coach remarked.
Sources indicated that Markle never physically attended classes at Maryland and only visited during the recruiting process.
Is the transfer portal still open? How did Markle return to Pennsylvania?
The transfer portal is, in fact, closed. However, Markle never officially left the portal, eliminating the need for her to re-enter. She hadn’t begun workouts with Maryland nor had she attended classes or received any financial aid from them.
When a player enters the transfer portal, they technically remain in it for the season. Signing a financial agreement doesn’t remove them from the portal.
One long-time coach explained it simply: “She entered for the 2024-25 season, so she remains in the portal. It still counts, despite any agreements made.”
This situation isn’t unique. Other recent examples include Auburn’s Caitlyn Duhon, who transferred to Texas A&M before announcing her return to Auburn shortly after.
Last year, football player Kadin Proctor transferred from Alabama to Iowa and back within a couple of months, later practicing with the Hawkeyes.
“It’s strange how everything works,” remarked another coach.
What does this mean for Maryland and Penn State?
Markle had the potential to be a starting center for the Terps next season, especially after Ally Kubek’s departure. After her commitment, Garzon and Okananwa were also announced.
The Terps still have a strong roster capable of competing deep into March Madness, but Garzon, at 6-foot-3, is now their tallest player and excels more as a wing than in the post. Coach Brenda Frese has leaned towards a smaller lineup lately, but having a dominant post player like Markle would have been an advantage.
Penn State, meanwhile, brought in dynamic guard Kiyomi Mac Miller via the portal. Miller had a strong freshman season at Rutgers, averaging 18.7 points despite some challenges that limited her to 21 games.
The Big Ten hasn’t yet finalized the women’s basketball schedule for the 2025-26 season, but matchups between Maryland and Penn State will definitely be on the calendar.
