​At the end of July, coach Tina Langley and the Washington Huskies will host Kaleena Smith, the top-ranked prospect in the 2027 class, for an official visit to Seattle. Smith, a 5-foot-6 point guard from Ontario Christian High School in California, will embark on a busy slate of ten official visits beginning with Washington. Her itinerary also includes trips to Baylor on August 28, Oklahoma on September 4, Georgia on September 11, and Tennessee on September 25, followed by Arizona State on October 9, Miami on October 16, USC on October 23, UCLA on October 30, and then UConn on November 6 and Texas A&M on November 13.
Langley’s impact on Washington’s recruiting has been transformational, reshaping the program’s trajectory and elevating its national profile. Securing a commitment from a player of Smith’s caliber would send a powerful statement as the Huskies strive to solidify their status as a perennial NCAA Tournament participant.
Smith had an exceptional spring and summer, capped by capturing the adidas 3SSB Circuit Championship with 7 Days. Brandon Clay of 247Sports noted that Smith was named League MVP after starring across the three-stop circuit that concluded in July. She continued her strong play into the adidas All-American Camp in California in October, demonstrating an impressive ability to balance scoring with playmaking. Her skill set allows her to take over possessions when needed while also involving teammates consistently, a testament to her maturity as a point guard who can score from long range. Her shooting range extends well beyond the 25-foot line, and her decision-making and vision on the court have earned her widespread admiration from coaches and peers alike.
In today’s NIL landscape, Langley can also leverage a compelling selling point: Smith made history as the first high school girl’s basketball player to sign with adidas, a relationship that could influence her college choice toward a school aligned with the brand. Her official visits have included programs at Arizona State, Miami, Tennessee, and Texas A&M, in addition to Washington, underscoring the nationwide attention she garners from programs across the country.
Smith expressed a clear eagerness to push her game further through diverse challenges and opportunities. In a press release announcing her adidas partnership, she stated, “I embrace any opportunity to challenge myself and improve my game, and I believe that’s what has fostered the confidence and skill I have on the court. I’m blessed to be part of something Candace Parker is creating, and to partner with adidas, which is taking a different approach to help grow the game for players like me. Plus, I’m really excited to wear Harden sneakers this season.”
This piece originally appeared on Huskies Wire with the headline Washington WBB to host nation’s No. 1 2027 recruit on official visit, and it has been expanded and reorganized for clarity and emphasis on timeline, context, and Smith’s impact.