UNC Women’s Hoops Player Preview: Sophomore Elina Aarnisalo
As the 2025–26 college basketball season looms, all eyes in Chapel Hill will turn to **Elina Aarnisalo**, the Finnish guard entering her sophomore year with North Carolina. After transferring from UCLA, she arrives with both international and NCAA tournament experience—and a chance to make a significant impact in the ACC.
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### From Helsinki to Chapel Hill
A native of Helsinki, Finland, Aarnisalo played at Mäkelänrinne Upper Secondary School before competing professionally in Finland’s Korisliiga with HBA‑Marksy. There she averaged an impressive 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.7 steals per game. ([University of North Carolina Athletics][1]) She also appeared in Belgium’s BNXT League for Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen, and in the 2023–24 EuroCup averaged 12.5 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds on 46.7% shooting. ([University of North Carolina Athletics][2]) On the international stage, she led Finland at the 2022 FIBA U18 Women’s European Championships with 17.9 points per game. ([University of North Carolina Athletics][1])
Her freshman season with UCLA saw her appear in all 37 games, making 10 starts. She posted 5.1 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game, shooting 43.7% from the field (27.0% from three) and 77.4% from the free-throw line. ([sports-reference.com][3]) Notably, she dished out 11 assists in a game against Arkansas and delivered five double-figure scoring performances. ([University of North Carolina Athletics][2]) In UCLA’s 77–62 upset over then‑No. 1 South Carolina, she scored 13 points. ([Chapelboro.com][4])
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### A New Chapter at UNC
Aarnisalo transferred to North Carolina in April 2025, joining head coach Courtney Banghart’s roster overhaul. In announcing the signing, Banghart praised her as “an elite competitor and a dynamic playmaker,” highlighting her seamless fit with the team culture. ([University of North Carolina Athletics][2]) The move comes amid departures, as UNC seeks to replace the likes of Grace Townsend (graduation) and Trayanna Crisp (portal). ([Keeping It Heel][5])
At UNC, she will wear jersey **No. 17**, listed at 5’10”, and be classified as a sophomore. ([University of North Carolina Athletics][1]) She chose UNC for its culture of winning, player development, and academic strength. ([University of North Carolina Athletics][1])
UNC’s backcourt already returns talented ball‑handlers like Lanie Grant and Reniya Kelly, and Aarnisalo’s arrival adds depth and versatility. ([Keeping It Heel][5]) Her ability to initiate offense, push the pace, and distribute will give Banghart more options in rotation. ([Keeping It Heel][5]) One key area for improvement will be her three-point shot (27.0% as a freshman), which if upgraded, could open the floor and expand UNC’s offensive spacing. ([sports-reference.com][3])
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### Outlook & Expectations
As a sophomore in a new system, expectations are tempered but hopeful. A realistic projection sees her competing for minutes as a combo guard—sometimes running point, other times sliding to the two—especially in lineups with Grant or Kelly. ([Keeping It Heel][5]) With more familiarity in the ACC style and better three-point consistency, she could push her averages beyond her UCLA numbers. If she can replicate or improve upon her assist totals while becoming a more dependable scoring option, she may emerge as a breakout contributor.
Her international experience suggests she has the maturity and flair needed to face big moments. As UNC looks to build on its Sweet 16 run and make a deeper postseason push, Aarnisalo will be a key variable. Her growth over the next year could help tip the balance—for her own development and for UNC’s hopes of ACC and national success.