South Carolina transfer Sakima Walker has committed to Cal Women’s Basketball, adding a significant presence to the Bears’ roster as they continue to bolster their team through strategic recruiting. The announcement, made on social media Saturday, marks a pivotal moment for Cal, eager to build upon recent successes and compete at the highest level. Walker, a 6-foot-5 forward, brings valuable experience after playing in 15 games for the South Carolina Gamecocks, averaging 1.4 points and 0.7 rebounds. Her performance in the 2023-24 season showcased a marked improvement, with 31 games played, one start, and an average of 2.0 points and 1.3 rebounds. During her two seasons at South Carolina, the Gamecocks achieved national championships in 2024 and were national runners-up this season, demonstrating the program’s competitive spirit. This commitment aligns perfectly with Cal coach Charmin Smith’s strategy of leveraging transfers to enhance the team's talent pool and championship aspirations. Smith has a proven track record of successfully integrating transfers into her system, a key factor in the 2024-25 Cal team’s impressive 25-9 record and NCAA tournament appearance.

Walker’s arrival isn't an isolated event; it’s part of a larger offseason plan, with coach Smith expected to bring in several additional transfers. The team has already seen multiple players enter the transfer portal, including Zahra King, who has committed to SMU under new head coach Adia Barnes. King, a promising freshman, averaged 8.2 minutes, 2.8 points, and 1.3 rebounds during her time at Cal. She joins a SMU roster undergoing a complete overhaul through transfers, reflecting the Mustangs’ ambitious rebuilding efforts. Beyond King’s move, Cal has seen five players – King, Marta Suarez, Kamryn Mafua, Claudia Langarita, and Natalia Ackerman – enter the transfer portal, with three of them (King, Suarez, and Mafua) already committed to new schools. This strategic movement highlights the dynamic nature of college basketball and Cal’s proactive approach to securing top talent.

Coach Smith’s success with transfers was instrumental in the 2024-25 Cal team’s success, and she is poised to continue this trend. Recent developments also include Andrej Stojakovic considering a return to Cal, predictions for Cal players in the NFL draft, and the team’s acquisition of a long snapper through the transfer portal. Teddye Buchanan's interest in being drafted by the 49ers and ESPN’s ranking of Cal DE TJ Bush Jr. as a top-15 spring transfer player further underscore the program’s rising profile. Cal GM Ron Rivera’s recent press conference adds another layer to the team's strategic planning. The influx of talent, combined with Smith’s expertise, positions Cal for continued success in the competitive landscape of women's college basketball. The Mustangs are also actively rebuilding their roster through the transfer portal, having lost nine players since the end of the 2024-25 season while adding ten new transfers. This constant evolution ensures that Cal remains at the forefront of the sport, consistently seeking opportunities to strengthen its team and pursue championship goals.