Texas A&M Basketball Player Essence Cody to Miss Season Due to Pregnancy

Texas A&M women's basketball player Essence Cody will miss the entire 2026-27 season as she prepares to welcome her first child.

Cody, who transferred to the Aggies from Alabama in April, announced on Monday that she is expecting her child in January. The 22-year-old senior stated that she will be sitting out the upcoming season.

"From the day I committed to Texas A&M, you have made Aggieland feel like home, and I have been counting down the days to my first game at Reed Arena," Cody said in a social media statement. "I want you to hear this news from me. I am expecting my first child in January, and I will be sitting out for the 2026-27 season to prepare for my baby's arrival."

She added, "Becoming a mother is the biggest blessing of my life. I am stepping into this new chapter with a full and grateful heart."

Cody expressed gratitude for the support she has received from her family, coaches, and teammates. "My family, coaches, and teammates have all wrapped me in love from the moment I shared the news with them. I am beyond thankful and will never take that for granted," she stated.

While Cody will not be playing this season, she intends to remain involved with the team, offering support from the sidelines. She pledged to be "the loudest voice on the bench."

Cody plans to return to the court for the 2027-28 season after the birth of her child. "When I step onto the court again next season, I will bring everything that this year teaches me, plus the newest member of the 12th Man," she said.

Texas A&M head women's basketball coach Joni Taylor voiced her support for Cody.

"We are incredibly proud of Essence," Taylor said. "She has handled everything with grace and we know she is going to be an incredible mother. Our main priority is to provide her and her child with all of the care we possibly can to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy."

Taylor added, "Essence's leadership will be pivotal for us this season and we can't wait to have her back on the court with us next year. We know that the 12th Man will rally behind her and her precious baby."

Cody, a 6-foot-4 center, played the last three seasons at Alabama, where she averaged 11.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, shooting 51.5 percent from the field.

She was anticipated to be a key addition for the Aggies this season under Coach Taylor, who aims to lead the team back to the NCAA Tournament. Cody was one of six newcomers to the roster, including freshmen Rieyan DeSouze and Jayda Porter, and transfers Kailyn Gilbert (LSU), Kaniya Boyd (Tennessee), and Miyah Verse (Georgia).

The Aggies are scheduled to begin their 2026-27 season at home against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on November 2.