MONROE, La. -- ULM women's basketball head coach Missy Bilderback announced the signing of Jackson State transfer Laila Walker to the team's roster on Friday (May 17). 

"Laila is a big time addition to our roster," said Bilderback. "She has competed at a championship level both in high school and at her last stop. Her athleticism will help us defensively and her versatility combined with the ability to pursue extra possessions is something for fans to look forward to. She brings in a winner's mindset and work ethic. We are incredibly thankful to coach Laila and thrilled she is a Warhawk." 

Walker played her first two seasons at Jackson State and helped the Tigers capture the 2024 SWAC Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. In her two seasons in Jackson, Walker was a member of the team that won 47 games in two seasons and a pair of postseason appearances. Walker appeared in 46 games for the Tigers and played in 31 games in her final season, averaging 2.9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. She shot 59.3% from the field, which was the third-highest mark on the team.


A graduate of Harrison Central High School, Walker was a highly-recruited high school prospect from Gulfport, Miss., and was ranked in the top-10 in her recruiting class in the state. She was the top rebounder in the state and averaged 15.3 points and 13.5 rebounds per game her senior season. She helped Harrison Central make a trio of state final fours and one championship game appearance. Walker appeared in the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game in 2022 and was a member of the Dandy Dozen.

Walker is the second transfer to sign with the Warhawks this week following Nya Valentine joining the team from Clemson.  Additional signees for the Warhawks include Southern Miss transfers Brikayla Gray and Asjha Leake, Mississippi State transfer Meloney Thames, Florida State transfer Sakyia White, Mercer transfer Ciante Downs and MACCC Freshman of the Year Miriam Prince.