Bears Get a Big Commit in 2026 Aussie Forward Zara Russell

The Bears picked up a big addition to next year’s 2026 class with the commitment of 6’2 senior Aussie forward Zara Russell this week.

“I took an official visit to Cal,” the newest Bear said. “The campus was so nice and had such a homey feel to it and the Bay Area was beautiful, especially Pier 39. I’m from Canberra, but it did remind me of the nice central parts of Australia, like Sydney and Melbourne, which definitely made it feel like i was more at home.”

With a strong list of offers to date, what made Cal the right fit for the Aussie forward?

“Honestly after spending time with the staff and the girls, I felt like I belonged there and that they really valued me as a player and a person,” Russell said. “It felt like I was already a part of the team and I just knew it was the place for me, and that Coach Charmin was going to push me to reach all my goals.”

The Canberra native was asked what Cal fans should expect to see in her game when she arrives at Cal.

“I think just being an effort and hustle player, I love to run the floor and be a big defender,” Russell said. “I love being a big talker and loud teammate as well, and I love to shoot the ball, too!”

As a junior, Russell averaged 17.0 points, 2.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in NBL1 play. In her best game representing Australia in the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup this summer, Russell scored 14 points, going 3/3 from 3-point range (100%) in 21 minutes in their showdown vs. Canada.

The Bears beat out a solid group of competitors in Oregon, Louisville, Ohio State, Wake Forest, Texas A&M and Utah for the newest Bear’s commitment. She’ll arrive in Berkeley in June to begin her Cal career.