Throughout the offseason, Colorado women’s basketball senior Johanna Teder said she felt good physically and couldn’t want to get back on the court.

Making her return official this past week has been special, however.

A transfer from Washington State who missed the entire 2023-24 season with an injury, Teder averaged 16.5 minutes off the bench in the first two games for the Buffs (2-0), who visit Boise State on Sunday.

“I am so excited,” the 5-foot-8 guard said of playing in games again. “Even coach asked me after the first game, ‘How was it? You’re back!’ So, I’m just excited. I keep telling my team, being out is the hardest thing ever. So, like, just being back is awesome. It’s my last year, so it’s awesome.”

Teder spent the previous four seasons at Washington State, playing in 86 games (all as a starter), averaging 8.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists. She’s also been a stellar 3-point shooter, with 154 made.

Achilles tendinitis caused her to miss the 2023-24 season, though. She transferred to CU in the summer and is taking on a new role. Coming off the bench for the first time in her career, she’s still bringing a lot to the table.

Teder had just three points in the opener at Wyoming, but her leadership was key in a 56-50 win. In an 81-66 win against Northern Colorado on Thursday, Teder had 10 points, two rebounds and a steal.

“It brings a huge smile to my face,” CU head coach JR Payne said of having Teder back on the court. “We always felt sort of connected to some of the Washington State players, just because of the great games and great competitive spirit, but good kids.

“For someone to be out with injury for an entire year, and to work their way back and make a really courageous decision to come back and try again, makes it really special to have her back on the court. Plus, she’s just a very good player and a great leader and a great teammate. So we need her presence that she’s bringing.”

The Buffs will certainly need it Sunday as they head into a tough environment at Boise State, projected as one of the better teams in the Mountain West.

“We have a team that really enjoys being together, and so I think we’ll be excited for a road trip together,” Payne said. “Boise will be great. We love their coaching staff. We know them so well. It’ll be a tough environment, tough game.”

Payne’s team hasn’t been dominant in the two games so far, but she loves what she’s seeing from a roster that has 10 newcomers, including Teder.

“I think what we’re seeing is glimpses of a really, really special team,” Payne said.

“This group, above any team maybe I’ve ever coached, has really, like, poured into each other away from basketball very quickly. I think we’re seeing that translate into the basketball court pretty quickly, and it’ll just be something that’ll keep getting better and better. I think every time we take the floor, we’re going to be a better basketball team.”