MM 4.17: Maryland women’s basketball adds Slovenian guard to roster

This is a Maryland Minute, a short story followed by a roundup of Terps-related news.

Maryland women’s basketball added Slovenian guard Lea Bartelme to its roster Wednesday.

The 19-year-old guard has played in the Women’s Adriatic Basketball Association since 2019. She has also been on the Slovenian national team since 2023.

This past season, she averaged 12.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game with Cinkarna Celje.

“Lea is a dynamic guard who really impressed us when we watched her. She has so much experience having played for her senior national team,” head coach Brenda Frese said in a release Wednesday. “She has a really high IQ and has been tested at the international level. She’s a versatile player that displayed the ability to knock down the three and attack the basket.”

Bartelme could have been a prospect in the 2025 WNBA Draft, but decided not to declare and eventually committed to Maryland.

The 5-foot-8 guard has a strong international résumé, with multiple Slovenian league championships and a U18 European championship.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity that has opened up for me, and after careful consideration, I’ve decided to commit to the University of Maryland,” Bartelme said in a release. “Maryland offers excellent conditions for both academic and athletic development, and with their long-standing tradition of success, I truly believe this is the right step forward for my personal and professional growth.”

In other news

Maryland football standout linebacker Caleb Wheatland entered the transfer portal Wednesday. Colin McNamara had the story.

Dylan Schmidt covered No. 7 Maryland women’s lacrosse’s 8-7 win over Rutgers Wednesday.

Maryland football quarterback Champ Long entered the transfer portal Wednesday, according to his social media.

After transferring to Maryland football from Akron in December, offensive tackle Jayvin James is once again entering the transfer portal, according to his social media.

Former Maryland women’s basketball guard Emily Fisher committed to Nebraska, according to her social media.

Maryland women’s soccer brought in two goalkeepers Wednesday: Boston College transfer Maya Cheeseboro and incoming freshman Meredith Fisher.

Former Maryland baseball pitcher Ryan Ramsey was part of a combined no-hitter with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Tuesday. Ramsey threw a perfect game for Maryland in 2022.

Maryland men’s basketball commit George Turkson Jr. made his official visit to the program, according to his Instagram.

Maryland field hockey players Ryleigh Osborne, Jordyn Hollamon and Erin Callahan were named to the United States’ U-18 national team.