LA MIRADA---The Biola women's basketball team added six newcomers to their 2023-24 squad which included three freshmen and three transfers.

"We are blessed with an outstanding Recruiting Class for 2023," stated head coach Alan Nakamura. "They are a high-quality group who take care of business off and on the court, and in the classroom. They have shown that they are eager to learn and become one with their teammates. We appreciate their teachable spirit and work ethic. They are really going to enhance the culture of our program of 'One mind, one body, one spirit, one purpose, one love,' and enhance our performance on the court."

Biola's six newcomers join a returning group of 10 athletes which includes previous starters Laila Walker (2022-23 Second Team All-PacWest), Jordan Rabe and Natasa Radovic. The six newcomers will experience their first home games at Chase Gymnasium tomorrow Friday, Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. against Alaska Fairbanks. 

The Eagles three freshmen are Jaycee Goldsmith, Jaya Michel and Camden Miller.

Goldsmith comes to BU from Freeman High in Valleyford, Washington. The Freshman played four varsity seasons and helped her team become four-time league and district champions. She also helped lead her team to States where they finished third her freshman year and sixth her junior and senior years. 

Goldsmith won several awards throughout her career including Most Improved, Second Team All-League, First Team All-League, First Team All-State and Team MVP. Her senior year she averaged 17.2 point per game, 13.4 rebounds per game, 3.8 steals per game, 3.1 blocks per game and was ranked 3rd in 1A.

Nakamura's Thoughts on Goldsmith
"With her joyful spirit, and strong work ethic, Jaycee is learning the college game quickly. She is taking her ability to shoot, and is becoming a presence inside on the offensive and defensive ends."

Michel joins Biola from Santa Margarita Catholic High School where she played four years of varsity basketball and ran track. Michel received the Athletic Leadership award in high school and won the 3D Sculpture award for two consecutive years.

Nakamura's Thoughts on Michel
"Another player with a joyful spirit, Jaya is a pleasure to work with, and is a blessing to her teammates. She comes ready to work every day, and does so with a smile on her face. She is growing in her understanding of the game and is expanding her impact on the game every day."

Miller is from Gardnerville, Nevada where she played three varsity seasons at Douglas High School. Miller helped lead her team to States for the first time in 20 years and received awards such as First Team All-Region and the Tiger Award for Character, Leadership, and Drive. Miller also made the NV All-State Academic team and was student of the month three times. 

Nakamura's Thoughts on Camden
"Camden is another excellent worker and eager learner. She has put in hard work to recover from an injury and is getting stronger and is really growing in confidence day by day. With her energy and versatility she is making an impact on the inside and outside."

 Biola's three transfers include Trasara Alexander, Alyssa Kubo and Kaylen Kamelamela.

Alexander transferred to Biola from Irvine Valley College where she earned Women's Basketball MVP and First Team All-League. She totaled 463 points throughout her career, averaging 15.4 points per game. She also totaled 283 rebounds, 82 assists, 38 steals and 16 blocks in her career. 

Nakamura's Thoughts on Alexander
"Trasara is a versatile, competitive guard who makes an impact at both ends of the court. She is an excellent worker who welcomes hard work. She also does a good job caring for her teammates on and off the court."

Kubo is a redshirt freshman who transferred to Biola from Cal Poly Pomona. Kubo was only able to play in six games for the Broncos because she was battling some injuries in the 2022-23 season.

Nakamura's Thoughts on Kubo
"After working through injuries last season, Alyssa has worked her way back to health and is 100% ready to go. It will be great to see what she can do with a full, healthy season. She is a good ball-handler and can play in transition and in the half court. She is a plus shooter, and also unselfishly makes the extra pass."

Kamelamela transferred to Biola from Bushnell University where she spent four years on the women's basketball team. Kamelamela recorded 597 points, averaging 8.1 points per game. She also totaled 193 rebounds, 211 assists, 106 steals and 12 blocks throughout her career. 

Kamelamela was a First Team All-Conference selection and a CCC Player of the Week. She was also named Academic All-CCC, CSC Academic All-District and NAIA Scholar Athlete.

Nakamura's Thoughts on Kamelamela
"Kaylen is a gifted athlete, and has the ability to be an impact player at multiple positions. She has a high ceiling, and we think our system is a great fit for her. She has had a good college career, but her best basketball is ahead of her."