Texas A&M women's basketball player Essence Cody has announced that she will sit out the 2026-27 season as she awaits the birth of her child. Cody, who transferred to the Aggies from Alabama in April, shared on Monday that she is expecting her first child in January. The senior, 22, stated that she will miss the entirety of the upcoming college basketball season in order to prepare for the baby's arrival. 'From the day I committed to Texas A&M, you have made Aggieland feel like home, and I have been counting down the days to my first game at Reed Arena,' Cody said in a statement shared on social media. 'I want you to hear this news from me. 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. '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.' Cody suggested that, despite watching the sport from a 'different seat' this year, she will still be around the team, leading from the sidelines as she vowed to be the loudest voice on the bench. '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,' she pledged. Cody made it clear that she intends to return to Reed Arena for the 2027-28 season after welcoming her child at the beginning of the new year. 'We are incredibly proud of Essence,' Texas A&M head women's basketball coach Joni Taylor 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.' Cody played the last three seasons at Alabama and averaged 11.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and shot 51.5 percent from the field. The 6-foot-4 center had been expected to be an exciting prospect for the 12th Man this season as one of the high-profile new additions under Coach Taylor as Texas A&M looks to return to the NCAA Tournament. Cody was one of six newcomers to the Aggies roster this season, along with ESPN top 50 recruits and current freshmen Rieyan DeSouze and Jayda Porter. Other transfers include guard Kailyn Gilbert from LSU, guard Kaniya Boyd from Tennessee and forward Miyah Verse from Georgia. However, the Aggies will now face the season without Cody, with the newcomer stepping back before even taking to the court for Texas A&M. The Aggies will begin their 2026-27 campaign at home against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Monday, November 2. #essencecody #texasam #womensbasketball #WNBA #wbb - @dailymailsportusa