The University of Washington women’s basketball team has made another strong move in the transfer portal, securing the commitment of 6-foot-5 center Yulia Grabovskaia from Michigan. Grabovskaia, who previously played one season at Michigan after transferring from Middle Tennessee, brings valuable Big Ten experience and a versatile skill set to the Huskies. Her signing further enhances the depth and talent of Washington’s frontcourt as they look to build a competitive team for the upcoming season.
Originally from Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Grabovskaia began her college career at Middle Tennessee before transferring to Michigan for the 2023-2024 season. During her lone year with the Wolverines, she played a key role off the bench, appearing in all 33 games and contributing 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 13.5 minutes per game. Grabovskaia’s size and presence in the paint were crucial for Michigan’s success, and her all-around contributions were instrumental in the team’s deep run in the NCAA tournament, where they reached the second round.
Grabovskaia’s skill set and defensive ability stood out during her time with Michigan. In addition to her scoring, she displayed strong rebounding and defensive skills, finishing the season with 25 steals and 16 blocks. Her ability to protect the rim and contribute defensively will be a valuable asset for Washington as they aim to improve their overall defense in the upcoming season. Grabovskaia’s versatility as both a scorer and defender makes her a great fit for the Huskies’ system.
One of Grabovskaia’s best performances came against Washington earlier in the 2023-2024 season. In a game where Michigan defeated the Huskies 82-69, Grabovskaia showcased her skills by scoring 10 points, grabbing three rebounds, and adding two steals in just 13 minutes of action. Her ability to make an impact in a limited amount of time demonstrated her potential to be a difference-maker for Washington as they look to strengthen their frontcourt rotation.
With the addition of Grabovskaia, Washington continues to build a balanced and talented roster. The Huskies already have a strong group of returning players, including experienced guards and key players in the backcourt. Grabovskaia’s signing provides the team with a skilled post player who can both score in the paint and provide a defensive presence. Her size and versatility will give Washington more depth and flexibility in their frontcourt, helping to solidify their overall roster.
As the Huskies prepare for the upcoming season, Grabovskaia’s experience and skill set will be crucial in helping Washington compete at a high level in the Pac-12 and beyond. With a mix of experienced players and exciting new additions, including Grabovskaia, the Huskies are poised to be a formidable team. The signing of Grabovskaia represents another important step forward for Washington women’s basketball as they aim for success in the highly competitive NCAA landscape.
