Top 2025 recruit Taylor Barnes commits to Cal

Top 2025 recruit Taylor Barnes has committed to Cal Berkeley, she told On3. She chose the Golden Bears over Texas A&M, UNLV and Texas Tech. She took her official visit last weekend and committed on Tuesday, knowing almost immediately that it was the place for her.

“Honestly, it was just one of those things where I feel like I really saw myself fitting into the program,” Barnes told On3. “I just really enjoyed the campus and the location, obviously, with it being next to the Bay Area, and I just like the environment and the campus life. It was just really enjoyable for me.”

Her relationships with the coaching staff were crucial in her decision. 

“This was my first time meeting the head coach in person, but I feel like me and her really clicked,” Barnes said. “I just liked what she was doing outside of basketball as well, like, community service and then always supporting her team. If the girls are interested in other things, she wants them to advocate for themselves. With the assistant coaches, I also just liked how supportive they were about the head coach. They talked really highly of her, and I just really liked their dynamic with each other.”

Barnes, a 6-foot guard from Grand Prairie (TX) South Grand Prairie High School also loved the team’s play style and sees herself fitting in well. 

“I would describe myself as a very versatile player,” Barnes said. “I feel like I can score from anywhere on the floor in any position I’m in. I see myself fitting into their program because they were saying they needed a player like that to make an impact in that area. I also like how they do a lot of ball movement and shooting and we’re actually working on that right now at my high school, so I feel like I could translate that over quickly.”