Sacramento State Basketball Welcomes Seven Transfers
The Hornets added seven transfers ahead of their transition to The Big West conference for the 2026-27 season.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Basketball
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In June 2026, Sacramento State women's basketball announced the recruitment of seven new transfers as the team prepares to join The Big West conference. The program aims to bolster its offensive performance following the move from the Big Sky Conference.
Why it matters
The influx of experienced talent is intended to strengthen the roster as the team enters a new conference era. Coaches hope this squad adjustment will yield improved offensive production.
Sacramento State recruited seven new transfers, six of whom are coming from other Division I programs. Notable shooting efficiency from last season includes Jelena Savic at 36.7%, Koko Akridge at 34.4%, and Natalie Picton at 31.4% from 3-point range.
The players
Sacramento State University
This public university located in Sacramento, California, competes in various collegiate athletic divisions.
The Big West
This collegiate athletic conference features universities primarily located in California and Hawaii.
Natalie Picton
She is a key player on the Sacramento State women's basketball roster who earned preseason All-Conference recognition.
Jenessa Cotton
A transfer athlete from Kansas State University, she earned preseason All-Conference honors alongside Picton.
Aaron Kallhoff
He serves as the head coach for the Sacramento State women's basketball program.
The details
The recruiting class includes Jenessa Cotton and Alexis Hess from Kansas State, Achol Magot from the University of Arizona, Brooklynn Charlo from the University of Memphis, Jelena Savic from the University of Evansville, and Koko Akridge from Long Island University. Natalie Picton and Jenessa Cotton have already received preseason All-Conference honors.
Timeline
Recruitment for the seven transfers was announced in June 2026.
The first exhibition game against Cal State Stanislaus is scheduled for October 28, 2026.
The first regular season home game against Cal State East Bay occurs on November 7, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The team's move to The Big West marks the end of thirty seasons in the Big Sky Conference, signaling a major shift in the program's competitive environment. By integrating seven high-level transfers, the Hornets aim to establish themselves as a top contender immediately upon entry.
Fans can expect a major roster overhaul, with the seven new transfers fundamentally altering the team's offensive potential and rotation depth. The high preseason ranking of 5th indicates significant expectations for the team's performance within their new conference environment.
The takeaway
The team's massive recruitment push highlights the intense competitive nature of shifting athletic conferences at the collegiate level. Readers should watch for how the new roster integrates during the early non-conference exhibition games in late October.
What happens next
The team plays its first exhibition game on October 28, 2026, followed by the first regular season home game on November 7, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the team's upcoming schedule and roster changes, visit the Sacramento Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The State Hornet.
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