Olivia Olechnowicz to Join Cal Basketball in 2027

The 17-year-old guard prospect from Australia is set to join the California women's basketball roster.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Basketball

Olivia Olechnowicz to Join Cal Basketball in 2027

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Olivia Olechnowicz has committed to the Cal women's basketball program as a member of the 2027 recruiting class. The 5-foot-10 guard will arrive in Berkeley in the fall of 2027.

Why it matters

The signing bolsters the Golden Bears international presence, adding to a current roster where seven of the 14 players originate from outside the United States. Olechnowicz brings significant experience from high-level FIBA competition.

Olechnowicz averaged 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.3 steals per game during the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup. She was recognized as the tournament's best defensive player and a second-team all-star.

The players

Olivia Olechnowicz

She is a 17-year-old guard from Australia who was named the best defensive player at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup.

Cal

The California Golden Bears represent the university athletic program that currently features seven international players on its roster.

The details

The 17-year-old guard prospect joins a Cal program that currently includes three Australian players. Her background includes a strong performance in international play, highlighted by her 3.3 steals per game average during the U17 World Cup.

Olivia Olechnowicz will turn 18 years old in February 2027.
Olechnowicz is scheduled to arrive at Cal in the fall of 2027.

Season Trajectory

The addition of Olechnowicz extends the Cal women's basketball international recruitment pipeline to maintain roster diversity. This signing signals a continued strategic focus on global talent to bolster the competitive balance of the program heading toward the 2027 season.

Olechnowicz adds a defensive-minded guard presence to the 2027 rotation, bringing a verified 3.3 steals-per-game average from elite international play. Her arrival will likely influence the program's defensive schemes and perimeter depth as the team integrates its international recruits.

The takeaway

Securing a multi-faceted international talent like Olechnowicz demonstrates the growing global reach of collegiate recruiting programs. Future seasons for the Golden Bears will likely continue to rely on this pipeline of high-level FIBA competitors to fill key roster positions.