San Diego State’s women’s basketball team has always prided itself on resilience, grit, and teamwork—and for the 2025-26 season, the Aztecs are welcoming two players whose journeys reflect those very qualities. Kennedy Lee and Maria Konstantinidou, two standout transfers from Mountain West rivals, are ready to take their game to new heights in red and black.

Together, they bring a potent mix of experience, skill, and a shared desire to contribute to SDSU’s quest for back-to-back titles.

Originally from Stuttgart, Germany by way of a Greek household, Maria Konstantinidou’s basketball journey has been anything but ordinary. Standing at 6'2", the versatile forward made an immediate impact at Fresno State, where she became a key contributor. Last season, Maria started 32 games for the Bulldogs, averaging 5.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and leading the team in blocks.

To see why the Aztec coaches wanted her on the Mesa, watch a highlight reel here, filmed and edited by Jacob Espino.

“Maria will be a great addition to our program,” said head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson. “She is versatile for her size, she can score in the midrange and can step out and knock down the three. Defensively, she will give us an imposing presence in the key.”

Maria is driven by a desire to grow, and ultimately she sought a team culture that felt like the right fit. Her decision to transfer to SDSU was solidified after watching the Aztecs play in the Mountain West Tournament, where the team’s chemistry, unselfish play, and collective drive stood out.

“I loved Coach Stacie—how she talked about the team, and how the players talked about her and her coaching style,” Maria said. “It was so refreshing and attractive to me.” She added that the players really “wanted to play for each other and win for each other.”

Now, as part of SDSU, Maria is excited to elevate her game. Known for her defensive prowess and rebounding ability, she’s eager to expand her offensive game, adding a more dynamic scoring touch by continuing to improve her pull-up jumper and drive to the basket. Having played against many of her new teammates during her time at Fresno State, Maria is eager to show the evolution of her game in a familiar yet new setting.

Off the court, Maria’s connection to her Greek roots remains strong. “I’m big on cooking and baking. I love it because it connects me to my culture,” she said. “I learned from my dad and grandma. … I try to learn a new recipe every time I go visit her in the summer.” Her specialties include Gemista (stuffed bell peppers), Pastitsio (a Greek-style lasagna), and a feta-stuffed fried bread.

As pre-business major, she has her eye on marketing or management.

With her blend of international playing and life experience - she’s fluent in Greek, German, and English, and can converse well in French - as well as her grit and ambition, Maria is set to make a significant impact on SDSU this season.

Kennedy Lee’s story is one of perseverance, self-reflection, and a desire to push past setbacks. The 6-foot forward from Louisville, Kentucky, was on the verge of a breakout season at Nevada last year before an injury sidelined her for much of the campaign. Despite the disappointment, Kennedy took the opportunity to focus on her growth—not just as a player but as a person.

While at Nevada , Lee focused on her defense and developed a “next-play” mentality - the mentality it takes for players not to let a mistake influence how they play on the next and subsequent plays.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kennedy into the program,” Terry-Hutson said. “She’s an undersized post, who can stretch the floor and score at all three levels. An excellent defender on the low block, she will bring toughness to our post group.”

Before her injury, Kennedy had been on fire, averaging 11.7 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 51% from the floor and 45% from three-point range. Her skill set as a versatile post player made her one of the most exciting prospects in the Mountain West. Her competitive fire and intensity on the defensive end of the floor were also key components of her game that SDSU coach Stacie Terry-Hutson is excited to incorporate into the Aztecs’ system.

2024-2025 Season Highlight of Kennedy Lee. Video Credit: Dion Lee Basketball

Kennedy’s decision to transfer to SDSU was driven largely by her connection with Coach Stacie. “It was ultimately Coach Stacie,” she said, reflecting on the recruitment process. Even when she played against SDSU, Lee shared that Coach Stacie “would always give me words of encouragement. It really helps that she is a wonderful person and a coach … Coach Stacie called me herself which stood out to me.” (Often, assistant coaches are the first to reach out to players.)

While she’s focused on returning to her best form, Kennedy’s primary goal for this season is consistency. After dealing with the injury, she is determined to maintain her health and continue the upward trajectory of her game. Whether it’s scoring, rebounding, or defense, Kennedy is committed to becoming a reliable and impactful force for the Aztecs.

Off the court, Kennedy is a creative soul. An English major who plans to pursue a master’s in communication, she spends her free time reading, writing, and exploring her artistic side. With a minor in book art, she has learned to build her own book and loves to paint. For her, balancing the demands of college athletics with her personal passions is essential to maintaining her well-being.

With Maria Konstantinidou and Kennedy Lee now part of the Aztec roster, SDSU has added two players who bring not only talent but also passion and a shared drive to succeed. Maria’s experience as an international player and defensive anchor complement Kennedy’s scoring ability and versatility in the post. Together, they form a dynamic duo that will help take the Aztecs to new heights.

As SDSU embarks on another season of championship contention, both players are ready to prove their worth, not just as individuals, but as integral pieces of a team that has a clear vision and a shared goal: to continue the program’s success and win together.

The future is bright for San Diego State basketball, and with the addition of Lee and Konstantinidou, the Aztecs are stronger than ever.