Walker commits to Niagara, becomes fifth Thunderwolf to go Division I-bound in last 14 years

After a two-year run with SUNY Niagara, Atarah Walker is Division I-bound.

The sophomore and Niagara Falls resident announced her commitment to Niagara University of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) on April 2. In 53 career games at SUNY Niagara, Walker recorded 468 points and 474 rebounds, and her team-leading 9.1 rebounds per contest this season ranked 69th in NJCAA Division II.

Walker is the 30th SUNY Niagara player expected to continue playing at a higher level since the end of the 2013-14 season. Walker is also the fifth Thunderwolf to commit to an NCAA Division I program in this span, joining 2019 graduate Kenetria Redfern (University of Maryland Eastern Shore and 2020 graduates Cierra Harrison (University of Detroit Mercy), Nickelle O’Neil (St. Peter’s then Niagara) and Aubrey Halloran (Niagara).

“I want to take this opportunity to thank my teammates and coaching staff, and all of the coaches I have had along the way,” Walker said. “There are no shortcuts on this journey, but hard work and determination pays off… Much gratitude to Coach (Jada) Pierce and the coaching staff at Niagara University. Can’t wait to get started. Let’s go, Purple Eagles!”

Walker’s career in Sanborn included two appearances in the NJCAA Region III Div. II championship game, which she won as a freshman in the 2024-25 season. Walker then continued her freshman season with a 64-60 victory over Sullivan County Community College in the East A District championship on March 8, 2025 in Sanborn, which sent the Thunderwolves to the national tournament for the fifth time in program history.

The 6-foot-3 forward recorded 14 career double-doubles and posted at least 10 rebounds in a contest 21 times with the Thunderwolves, including nine times this season. With Walker on the roster, the Thunderwolves were 42-15 and recorded the No. 1 seed in the NJCAA Region III Div. II tournament in both seasons.

Walker’s resume includes competing at Niagara Falls High School in two seasons (2022-23 to 2023-24). Walker recorded 358 points and 355 rebounds in 32 games with the Wolverines and was part of the program’s Section VI Class AAA runners-up team in 2024.