Story by
UCLA Wire
Running it back: Guard Elina Aarnisalo commits to head back to UCLA
- Story byUCLA Wire
- Running it back: Guard Elina Aarnisalo commits to head back to UCLA
For the second time in her collegiate career, Elina Aarnisalo has committed to the UCLA Bruins . Aarnisalo announced the news on Twitter Sunday evening. Aarnisalo helps fill some of UCLA's immediate need in their backcourt.
UCLA needs capable guard play
Losing Kiki Rice and Charlisse Leger-Walker, the Bruins need a point guard to run their offense. Aarnisalo is familiar with the system, as she played for UCLA her freshman season back in 2024-2025.
It was a very solid freshman season with the Bruins
As a Bruin, Aarnisalo posted 5.1 points and 3.4 assists in 21 minutes per game and looked like a future contributor. With Leger-Walker and Gianna Kneepkens in the picture for UCLA this past season, Aarnisalo jumped in the portal and headed to Chapel Hill.
Advertisement
Elina Aarnisalo took on a larger offensive role
Aarnisalo impressed this year with North Carolina, putting up 10.2 points per game, upping her three-point percentage to 40.4%. The playmaking displayed her freshman season didn't translate though, with her assists dropping to 2.9 per game despite playing 26.7 minutes per game.
A reunion makes sense
The news doesn't come as a total surprise . Aarnisalo entered the portal with a 'do not contact' tag , so a return to a familiar coaching staff, with a pressing need, makes sense. Aarnisalo could very well end up in the Bruins starting lineup, starting 10 games for Cori Close back in the 2024-2025 season.
Advertisement
UCLA has added a pair of guards
Aarnisalo isn't the first guard that Close has picked up this portal season. UCLA grabbed Arkansas' Bonnie Deas , giving the Bruins another option at guard. Those options are much-needed, Christina Karamouzi is the only returning guard for UCLA.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA adds a familiar guard with commitment of Elina Aarnisalo
