South Carolina Women’s Basketball Center Sakima Walker Enters Transfer Portal After Two Seasons in Columbia
The world of college basketball is no stranger to player transfers, and the South Carolina women’s basketball program has seen its share of high-profile roster changes in recent years. The latest player to enter the transfer portal is 6-foot-5 center Sakima Walker. After spending two seasons with the Gamecocks, Walker has decided to move on, a decision that marks the end of an era for both the player and the team. Known for her fierce presence in the paint, her strong rebounding skills, and a reputation as a supportive leader off the court, Walker’s departure raises questions about the future of the team, her personal growth, and the next steps in her career.
A Promising Start at South Carolina
Walker’s journey to South Carolina began as one filled with excitement and anticipation. The 6-foot-5 post player was highly regarded as one of the top recruits in her class. Coming out of high school, she was known for her size, strength, and natural basketball instincts. Despite facing stiff competition for playing time in the highly competitive South Carolina program, Walker’s potential was undeniable. South Carolina, one of the top teams in the country, was a natural fit for a player of her caliber, and expectations were high.
In her first year with the Gamecocks, Walker played in 31 games, showcasing her ability to contribute off the bench and offer valuable minutes to the team. While her stats didn’t immediately jump off the page—averaging two points and 1.3 rebounds per game—her contributions were felt in ways that went beyond the box score. Walker’s presence as a backup center provided South Carolina with much-needed depth in the post, especially during games when starter Aliyah Boston needed a breather or when foul trouble would arise.
The Role of a Teammate and Mentor
One of the standout qualities of Walker’s character was her role as a mentor and supportive teammate. Throughout her time at South Carolina, she became known for being more than just a basketball player; she was also a leader who helped guide the younger players on the roster. Her affectionate nickname, “Mama ‘Kima,” captured the essence of her role on the team. While her on-court contributions were valuable, it was her ability to foster a sense of camaraderie and support that earned her the love and respect of her teammates.
“Mama ‘Kima” became a staple of the Gamecocks’ locker room, offering guidance and encouragement to the younger players, particularly the incoming freshmen who were adjusting to the intense pressure of playing at a school with such high expectations. Walker’s mentorship was especially evident in the way she interacted with the team’s frontcourt players, including the likes of Boston, who has since become one of the most dominant players in women’s college basketball.
During her first season, Walker was able to adapt to the demands of the program while balancing her role as a leader. Despite facing challenges on the court, including limited playing time, Walker maintained a positive attitude and demonstrated a level of maturity that went beyond her years. It was clear that her leadership, both on and off the court, was just as important to the Gamecocks as her basketball skills.
Injuries and a Struggle for Playing Time
While Walker’s first year at South Carolina was a relatively successful one in terms of her personal development, the following season proved to be more difficult. Injuries began to take their toll on the young center, and it quickly became apparent that her role on the team would be limited during her second season. She appeared in just 15 games during the 2024-2025 season, a significant drop from the previous year.
Lower leg injuries were the primary issue that plagued Walker during her sophomore year. While specifics of the injury were not immediately available, it was clear that it hindered her ability to be fully effective on the court. Injuries are a common hurdle for college athletes, and for a player like Walker, who relies on her size and athleticism to dominate in the paint, any injury that affects her mobility is especially difficult to overcome.
The reduced playing time was a blow to Walker, but it also gave her a chance to reflect on her future with the team. With limited opportunities to contribute during her second year, Walker may have found it challenging to reconcile her desire to play significant minutes with the reality of her injury situation. Additionally, the presence of other talented players in the Gamecocks’ frontcourt, including the future WNBA star Aliyah Boston, may have further complicated her position on the team.
The Decision to Enter the Transfer Portal
In April 2025, Walker made the decision to enter the transfer portal, signaling her intent to explore opportunities elsewhere. The decision was a bittersweet one for the player and for the South Carolina program. On one hand, Walker had undoubtedly left an impact on the Gamecocks, both through her leadership and her role as a valuable teammate. On the other hand, it was clear that her future at South Carolina was uncertain, and transferring would offer her the chance to continue her basketball career at a new program that could better suit her goals and needs.
The transfer portal is an increasingly common avenue for college athletes to find better opportunities, whether it be for more playing time, a fresh start, or a new competitive challenge. For Walker, it represents an opportunity to fully recover from her injuries, regain her confidence, and return to the court at a school where she can make the greatest impact.
What’s Next for Sakima Walker?
As of now, Walker’s next steps are still unclear. She will undoubtedly have a number of schools interested in her services, given her size, skills, and leadership abilities. At 6-foot-5, she has the physical attributes needed to be a dominant force in the post, and her reputation as a hard worker and great teammate will make her an attractive option for many programs. Whether she decides to stay closer to home or move to a new region of the country remains to be seen, but it is clear that her basketball journey is far from over.
While her injuries may have limited her opportunities at South Carolina, they also offer her the chance to come back stronger and more determined. Many athletes experience setbacks during their careers, but those who can recover and adapt often go on to achieve great success. Walker’s time in Columbia may not have unfolded exactly as she had hoped, but it is a stepping stone in her larger journey—both as a basketball player and as an individual.
The Impact on South Carolina Women’s Basketball
Sakima Walker’s departure is sure to have an impact on the South Carolina women’s basketball program, which has become a powerhouse under head coach Dawn Staley. The Gamecocks have established themselves as one of the top teams in the country, thanks in no small part to their depth, talent, and strong team culture. While Walker may not have been a primary contributor in terms of scoring or rebounding during her time at South Carolina, her role as a leader and mentor was invaluable.
With Walker’s departure, the Gamecocks will need to adjust, particularly in the frontcourt, where they have a strong group of players, but could use added depth. Fortunately for South Carolina, the team has a deep roster, and the addition of new talent in future recruiting classes will help fill the void left by Walker’s exit. The program’s success is not solely dependent on any one player, but the loss of a veteran presence like Walker will certainly be felt in the locker room.
Walker’s decision also speaks to the evolving nature of college basketball, where players have greater flexibility and autonomy over their careers. Transfers have become increasingly common in the current era of college sports, and Walker’s decision to enter the portal reflects the growing trend of athletes seeking out the best opportunities for their development, both on and off the court.
Sakima Walker’s two years at South Carolina were filled with both triumphs and challenges. While her playing time was limited due to injuries and competition for minutes in a stacked roster, Walker’s impact on the Gamecocks was felt in ways that extended far beyond basketball. Her leadership, her mentorship of younger players, and her unselfish attitude toward the team were key components of her time in Columbia.
Now that she has entered the transfer portal, the next chapter of her career begins. Whether she stays in the SEC or moves to a different conference, Walker’s size, skills, and leadership abilities will make her an asset to any program. As she looks to continue her career, she will undoubtedly remain an inspiration to her former teammates and fans, reminding them that the value of a player is not always measured by points or rebounds but by the positive impact they have on those around them.
For South Carolina, Walker’s departure is just another chapter in a constantly evolving program that continues to chase championships. And for Walker, it is the beginning of a new journey, one where her potential has yet to be fully realized.
