Rutgers signs daughter of N.J. native, former WNBA All-Star

Zachara Perkins, a four-star recruit from Summer Creek High School in Houston, Texas, officially signed with Rutgers on Wednesday’s National Signing Day.

The 6-foot-3 guard/forward is the daughter of former WNBA All-Star DeMya Walker-Wheatfall, a New Jersey native who spent 14 successful seasons in the league and won a championship with the Sacramento Monarchs in 2005. Walker-Wheatfall was a high school All-American at Rancocas Valley.

In a statement from a Rutgers athletics release, Perkins shared, “I chose Rutgers because as soon as I stepped on campus, it felt like family. It felt like Coach Coquese and the rest of the staff really wanted me to be there and it wasn’t just fake love. The team was amazing and really nice. Overall, it just felt like the place to be.”

Perkins committed to Rutgers in May and expressed her fondness for the Scarlet Knights coaching staff in a post shared on X in September.

“Get you coaches that fly in for your home visit even tho you’re already committed just to chill, watch the @WNBA PLAYOFFS, and eat dinner with your family. I love my @RutgersWBB coaches!!! #we4got2 #FAMILY”

Last season, Perkins led Summer Creek to the Region 3 Finals, averaging 18.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game. She was named to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) All-State and All-Region teams.

Rutgers (1-0) won its season opener against Monmouth on Monday, 56-51. They continue their three-game homestand Thursday evening against Wagner (1-0) at Jersey Mike’s Arena.

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Joey Chandler may be reached at [email protected]