The California women's basketball team has added a veteran backcourt player in Kayla Williams, who played the past two seasons at Pac-12 rival USC.
Williams, a 5-foot-7 guard, comes to the University of California as a graduate transfer and has one season of eligibility.
“We knew right away that Kayla would be a great fit for our culture and team,” Cal State coach Charmin Smith said. “Our players were really looking forward to getting to know her. She has experience as a starting guard on an NCAA Tournament team.
“She will enhance our defensive presence and bring her winning mentality and playmaking skills to our team, allowing us to strive for the ACC.”
Williams started all 31 games as a starter for the Trojans in 2022-23, leading the team in steals (48) and earning honorable mention on the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team. Williams also scored 5.4 points per game as a junior.
He played off the bench last season, averaging 10.8 minutes and 2.6 points in 26 games.
“What motivated me to commit to California was knowing that I was surrounded by people who were invested in my development as a student-athlete and as a young woman,” Williams said.
“And it's not every day you get the opportunity to play for a coach who's been where you want to be. Charmin's resume speaks for itself, and I'm going to play for her. I'm excited about the opportunity. I already know this year will be special.”
Prior to his two seasons at USC, Williams spent three years at UC Irvine. She redshirted her freshman year and started 55 games in 2020-21 and 2021-22, earning Big West Freshman of the Year honors, All-Big West First Team honors both years, and Big West All-Big West Freshman of the Year honors. He earned All-Defensive and Big West honors. Tournament Team Honors (2021-22).
Williams, a four-star recruit out of Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance, Calif., was ranked the No. 21 guard in the nation by ESPN and was selected as a candidate for the 2019 McDonald's All-American Game.