#4 KAYLA WILLIAMS
Year: Freshman
Position: Guard
Height: 5-7
Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
High School: Bishop Montgomery HS
Major: Undeclared
 
 
Kayla Williams made a smooth transition to UC Irvine as she didn't have to move very far away from her family in Los Angeles.
 
Although her support system is nearby, one of the biggest adjustments for Kayla has been not having her fraternal twin sister, Kiara, by her side every day.
 
"She's my other half and has always been that one person for me, so being away from her is hard, but we talk every day," said Kayla. "Despite the distance, we are still inseparable."
 
Growing up, the two were extremely close and did practically everything together. Kayla even tried cheerleading with her sister before turning her focus to basketball. The choice to dedicate her time and energy to the sport paid off as Kayla was a budding basketball star by the time she got to Bishop Montgomery High School.
 
And while Kiara didn't play basketball, she was still there for Kayla every step of the way.
 
"She was actually a manager for my high school team," said Kayla. "Honestly, she is my biggest supporter. Right now she's at a community college, planning to do a year there before transferring to LMU, but she's already talking about how she is going to be at my games cheering loudly."
 
Kayla got her start in the sport at a young age, following in the footsteps of her older brother Brandon, who played all four years in high school, and her father Tony, who played at Chico State.
 
"Those two have had a big influence on my basketball career," said Kayla. "When I was younger, I would watch my brother play outside in our backyard because I was so intrigued, and I couldn't wait until I was old enough to play."
 
Kayla would get her chance to play when she was six years old, starting at the YMCA. After spending some time in park leagues and on co-ed club teams, she eventually joined Cal Storm in the sixth grade. Her game developed quickly and caught the attention of UCI head coach Tamara Inoue early in the recruiting process.
 
"The coaches first saw me play my freshman year, and ever since they started recruiting me it's been all love," Kayla said. "They showed the most interest in me and that interest never went away. Then, when I came and hung out with the team on my visit, I knew this was a place where I could see myself going."
 
Influenced by the team chemistry and family atmosphere, along with some input from her twin sister, Kayla made the decision to commit to UCI last summer.
 
Now, she is anxiously looking forward to officially starting her Anteater career with her family cheering her on in the stands.
 
"There will be a lot emotions going through me before our first game," said Kayla. "I am going to be a little nervous, anxious and excited, but as long as I don't let the nerves get to me and I play freely, I think everything will go well."