Sports · Basketball · 4 hrs ago
Essence Cody to miss Texas A&M’s 2026-27 season while expecting child
Essence Cody, a senior center on Texas A&M’s women’s basketball team, says she is expecting her first child in January.
She will sit out the 2026-27 season to prepare for the birth.
Cody transferred from Alabama to Texas A&M in April and has not yet played for the Aggies.
At Alabama, she averaged 11.5 points and 5.7 rebounds over the last three seasons.
She says she will remain involved with the team from the sidelines and plans to return to play in the 2027-28 season.
Coach Joni Taylor said the team will support Cody and her child and that Cody’s leadership will be important during the season.
Texas A&M will begin its 2026-27 campaign at home against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Texas A&M women’s basketball player Essence Cody will sit out the 2026-27 season while expecting her first child.
Cody said she is expecting the child in January and plans to return to the court for the 2027-28 season.
The senior transferred to Texas A&M from Alabama in April.
Cody said she will remain with the team and lead from the sidelines during the season.
Coach Joni Taylor said the program’s priority is to support Cody and provide care for her and her child.
- Who
- Essence Cody, a Texas A&M women’s basketball player.
- What
- She will miss the 2026-27 season while expecting her first child.
- When
- She announced the news on Monday, October 12, 2026. The child is expected in January.
- Where
- Texas A&M; Cody said she intends to return to the court at Reed Arena.
- Why
- She said she will sit out to prepare for the baby’s arrival.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Cody transferred to Texas A&M from Alabama.
Cody announced that she would sit out the 2026-27 season while expecting her first child.
Cody said her child is expected to arrive.
Cody said she intends to return to the court.
- Season missed
- 2026-27
- Expected birth
- January
- Previous team
- Alabama
- Transfer
- April
- Planned return
- 2027-28 season
What people are saying
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.
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.
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,










