Louisville women’s basketball portal tracker: Jeff Walz adds Miami guard Ja’Leah Williams

In addition to a strong high school recruiting class, Louisville coach Jeff Walz still is delving into the transfer portal.

With the 2023-24 season done, the Cardinals have started the offseason by picking up Miami transfer guard Ja’Leah Williams. The junior comes to Louisville after Hurricanes coach Katie Meier’s retirement March 21. Tricia Cullop was hired to replace Meier on April 5.

Williams started her college career with Miami and averaged 7.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. An 18-game starter, she recorded 7.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists as a junior. That included an 11-point performance against Louisville, her new team. The Hurricanes finished 19-12 and missed the postseason.

The Florida native comes to Louisville after the program lost three guards: Kiki Jefferson, a third-round selection in the WNBA draft on April 15, Sydney Taylor and Nina Rickards. Williams will join a backcourt that includes returning players Jayda Curry, Merissah Russell and Lele Love.