The University of California, Berkeley women’s basketball team announced the signing of its 2027 recruiting class on November 11, 2026. Head coach Charmin Smith revealed the class features three incoming freshmen: Amelia Sow, Olivia Olechnowicz, and Kylie Husbands.
Amelia Sow, ranked 32nd in ESPN’s Top 100 and No. 4 combo guard by Rivals, is a 6-foot-1 guard/forward from Quebec, Canada. She was the Women’s National Preparatory Association Player of the Year following her junior season at Fort Erie International Academy, where she averaged 23.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. Sow has received international recognition, including MVP honors at the Basketball Without Borders Camp and invitations to the Steph Curry Under Armour Camp.
Olivia Olechnowicz, a 5-foot-9 guard from Queensland, Australia, has competed internationally for Australia’s youth national teams. She contributed to Australia’s championship win at the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup and earned Best Defensive Player and All-Star Second Team honors at the 2026 FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup. Coach Smith described her as an elite defender capable of scoring at all three levels.
Kylie Husbands, a 6-foot combo guard from San Clemente, California, played at San Clemente High School and the Nike EYBL Cal Swish club team, which won the 2026 Nike EYBL U17 National Championship. She is a multi-time All-Orange County selection and earned All-State and All-CIF Southern Section honors. Husbands continues a family legacy at Cal, being the daughter of former Cal great Kerri Husbands.
CSB Take
The addition of Amelia Sow, Olivia Olechnowicz, and Kylie Husbands strengthens the California Golden Bears women’s basketball roster with a blend of high-level international talent and local excellence. Sow’s versatility and ranking among the top national prospects offer significant potential for immediate impact. Olechnowicz brings valuable defensive skills and international championship experience, while Husbands adds depth and carries on a family tradition at Cal. This recruiting class reflects head coach Charmin Smith’s commitment to assembling a competitive team within the challenging Pac-12 Conference and sets a promising foundation for the program’s future.
Source: Original report
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