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Dawn Staley Sends Clear Message to Departing South Carolina Transfer

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Apr 26, 2025 6:28 PM ET

Sakima Walker, a 6-foot-5 center from Columbus, Ohio, spent two seasons at South Carolina playing for coach Dawn Staley.

Over that time, she averaged limited minutes behind a veteran frontcourt but earned a spot as a reserve on the 2023-24 national championship squad.

Walker, a former NJCAA D1 Player of the Year in 2023, decided to enter the transfer portal on April 8.

On Saturday, she announced her decision to commit to California for the 2025-26 season, seeking a larger role in the Golden Bears rotation.

Walker’s former coach, Hall of Famer Dawn Staley, promptly reacted on X, writing, “All you Kim! Cali is up and so are you!”

All you Kim! Cali is up and so are you! https://t.co/hBxkwSMCPE
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) April 26, 2025

Before joining the Gamecocks, Walker starred at Northwest Florida State College, where she averaged 16.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

Over 32 games, she scored more than 20 points 10 times and posted 13 double-doubles, leading Northwest Florida State to the 2023 NJCAA National Championship.

With one year of eligibility remaining, she opted for California to pursue increased playing time under head coach Charmin Smith.

The exchange between Staley and Walker highlights Staley’s continued support for her former players, even as she navigates roster turnover that includes the departure of standout guard MiLaysia Fulwiley to rival LSU.

A three-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA, Staley has already been inducted into both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2012) and Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame (2013).

Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have secured three national championships (2017, 2022, 2024) and nine SEC regular-season titles, cementing her status as one of college basketball’s premier coaches.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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