TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama women’s basketball forward Essence Cody has been named to the 2026 Katrina McClain Award Preseason Top 20 Watch List, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced on Thursday.

The award, which is named after two-time All-American McClain, recognizes the top power forwards in women’s basketball. Fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting, beginning on Friday, Oct. 31.

• Named a 2025-26 Preseason Second Team All-SEC selection
• Started in 66 of 67 games through her first two seasons with Alabama
• One of four UA players to average double-figures during the 2024-25 season (11.1 points per game
• Led the Crimson Tide with 6.3 rebounds per game
• Scored in double digits in 20 of 33 games
• Tied a career-high five blocks twice, securing the milestone versus Norfolk State (Nov. 13, 2024) and LSU (Feb. 27, 2025)
• Paced the Crimson Tide in field goal percentage, shooting 53 percent from the floor