ATLANTA – The awards and accolades for incoming Tar Heel Kate Harpring continue to stack up as the future women’s basketball guard was honored as the 2026 Jersey Mikes Naismith Girls’ High School Player of the Year by the Atlanta Tipoff Club. Harpring is set to join the Tar Heels for the 2026-27 campaign.
“Kate had a remarkable career at Marist, capped off with a State Championship in her senior season and by setting the Georgia high school state scoring record. As someone who has been following her closely over the past few years, she has earned every accolade she’s received,” said head coach Courtney Banghart. “She brings consistency as an elite competitor and is a leader that brings out the best in others. She is a humble two-way star and a great teammate. In choosing Carolina, she is joining a program and community that is ready to welcome her. We all look forward to her making us better on the court, in the locker room, and on campus.”
Wrapping up her prep career last week, Harpring led Marist Academy to its second straight 4A State Title in Georgia after dropping 40 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in the title game. Her performance etched her name in the Georgia record book as the state’s all-time leading scorer with 3,435 career points.