Texas A&M women’s basketball will be without forward Essence Cody for the 2026-27 season with the senior announcing her pregnancy three weeks before the Aggies’ first game.
“I want you to hear this news from me,” Cody, 22, wrote in a statement shared via social media on Monday, October 12. “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. People always say it takes a village. Mine is the best anyone could ask for. 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.”
The Aggies are coming off a 14-13 season last year, which ended with a loss to McNeese State in the first round of the WBIT.
Cody transferred to Texas A&M from SEC rival Alabama in April, where she was a three-year starter, averaging 11.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game as a junior.
“This year, I get to watch the game I love from a different seat,” Cody continued on Monday. “I plan to soak up every single moment and lead from the sidelines. 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.” (Texas A&M calls the student section for all of its sports “the 12th Man,” a reference to the homefield advantage they provide in football.)
She concluded, “Thank you for already loving me and my little one. I will be the loudest voice on our bench all year. See you at Reed Arena for the 2027-28 season.”
The upcoming season will be a pivotal year for head coach Joni Taylor, who is 45-58 through four seasons in College Station. Texas A&M is only 24-32 over the last two seasons and the team has never had a winning record in SEC play during her tenure.
Despite losing a critical piece to the 2026-27 puzzle, Taylor, 47, released a statement as well voicing her support for Cody.
“We are incredibly proud of Essence,” she 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. 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.”
Texas A&M will open the season at home on November 2 against the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
