CHICAGO – UIC women's basketball head coach Ashleen Bracey announced Friday Chicago-native Makiyah Williams will be joining the Flames for the 2023-2024 season. Williams recently finished her sophomore season at Marquette and will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Williams is the third student-athlete to transfer in the past week to UIC. Keimari Rimmer and Krystyna Ellew announced their plans to join the Flames Wednesday. All three are from the Windy City. 

"We are very excited to welcome Chicago native, Makiyah Williams, back home," UIC head coach Ashleen Bracey said. "Makiyah is a strong, versatile forward that impacts the game on both ends of the floor. Her ability to play multiple positions will allow her to make an immediate impact. Makiyah's work ethic and passion for the game will help elevate our program. She is a competitor and will be an incredible asset to our team both on and off the court. Makiyah is very passionate about the city of Chicago, UIC and women's basketball. She is committed to helping push our vision forward."

Williams played in 38 games over two seasons for the Golden Eagles. She collected nine rebounds and blocked three shots, both career-highs against Saint Francis on Nov. 27. Williams scored a career-high nine points in a win against Seton Hall on Jan. 22.

As a freshman, Williams appeared in 15 contests. She scored eight points in her collegiate debut against Alcorn State and also tallied six points in a nine-minute span against NJIT.

A Chicago-native, Williams lettered four years at Trinity High School. She finished her senior season averaging 22.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks. She was named to the 2020-2021 The News Gazette Illinois All-State team.  

In her junior season, Williams made the Pioneer Press All-Area First Team and the IHSA Class 3A First Team. She averaged 20.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 2.3 steals and 1.9 assists. She played a part in helping Trinity High School to a regional title and an appearance in the state tournament. Williams finished her high school career as a three-time all-conference selection.

She played AAU on the Chicago Hoops Express for coach Jerald Davis.