Gamecocks Face Challenges in Upcoming Season
As the 2025-26 season approaches, the South Carolina Gamecocks, under the leadership of Dawn Staley, are facing a significant loss in their frontcourt depth.
This setback follows the announcement that Ashlyn Watkins will not be participating this season. Additionally, senior forward Chloe Kitts confirmed on Monday morning that she will miss the entirety of the next season due to a torn ACL. This news comes shortly after Kitts was spotted on crutches, her right knee in a brace, at a local volleyball game.
Kitts shared her feelings on social media, saying, “I recently suffered a torn ACL and unfortunately will be out for the rest of the season. Although this is not the senior season I had hoped for, I trust in God’s timing and purpose. I will continue to lead, support and push my team from the sidelines.”
South Carolina Athletics released a statement from Staley expressing her sympathy, stating, “First of all, we are sorry for this for Chloe. She has worked incredibly hard this season to be her best self on the court. Her teammates have the ability to step up, and I know her competitive spirit and tenacity will be felt from the sidelines as she gives them everything she can to ensure the team’s success.”
Kitts had just completed a season where she achieved her career-best performance, averaging 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-2 senior from Oviedo, Fla. also recorded a personal best of 1.7 assists per game last year, helping the Gamecocks reach their second consecutive national title game.
Having started for Staley over the past two seasons, Kitts played a crucial role in the team’s postseason achievements. In seven games—from the SEC Tournament quarterfinals to the Elite Eight—she averaged 14.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Her standout performance earned her MVP honors in both the SEC Tournament and Birmingham 2 Regional Tournament.
With plans to enter the WNBA Draft as a first-round pick, this collegiate season was meant to be Kitts’ last, although it’s uncertain if she will opt for a medical redshirt to extend her eligibility after scheduled surgery this week.
With both Kitts and Watkins unable to play this season, South Carolina may turn to sophomore Joyce Edwards at the power forward position. Edwards, standing at 6-foot-3, had a remarkable freshman year, being named Associated Press National Player of the Year alongside Kitts. She was also selected for the All-SEC First Team and the Final Four All-Tournament Team.
During the summer, Edwards gained additional experience by competing with Team USA, playing for the senior national team and in the FIBA Nations League 3×3 competition.
Traditionally, Staley’s teams emphasize physical play and driving the ball inside. However, this year’s Gamecock lineup may find strength in its backcourt, featuring seasoned player Raven Johnson, leading scorer Tanya Latson, and sharpshooting junior Tessa Johnson.
