COLUMBIA, S.C.
South Carolina and USC are making their mark in the women’s NCAA Tournament as they vie for a chance in the Sweet 16. It’s been quite a journey, especially since both All-Americans, Chloe Kitts and JuJu Watkins, faced injuries at the start of the season.
Kitts, who plays as a forward for the Gamecocks, hurt his knee during practice back in October. This unfortunate twist meant he spent more time supporting his teammates from the sidelines rather than contributing on the court. Watkins, a standout player, suffered a torn ACL during last year’s NCAAs but also lent his encouragement to teammates throughout his recovery.
Both squads have had to navigate the challenges of injuries. Despite being a No. 1 seed, the Gamecocks (32-3) along with the No. 9-seed Trojans (18-13) are gearing up for their Monday night game, both fresh from Sweet 16 victories in Sacramento.
“Losing a player like JuJu has really pushed everyone to step up,” commented USC forward Laura Williams. “It’s meant taking on new leadership roles and doing whatever the team needs.”
Coach Lindsey Gottlieb reflected on the shift that began during the previous NCAA Tournament when the Trojans made it to the Elite Eight following Watkins’ injury. Over the off-season, Gottlieb worked on the roster by adding transfers like Carla Dunn from Georgia Tech and Londyn Jones from UCLA.
“The standards haven’t dropped for us,” Gottlieb stated, noting that her team has consistently performed at a high level despite not having Watkins. She also emphasized that they needed to focus on the current reality rather than dwell on what could have been with JuJu on the court.
Dawn Staley, head coach at South Carolina, has adopted a similar mindset regarding Kitts’ absence. While it’s clear that losing such a versatile player affects the team, Staley is determined to move forward without him on the floor this season.
“As coaches, it’s crucial to adapt and carry on,” Staley explained.
Interestingly, she hasn’t yet discussed how Kitts’ absence will influence the season with her players. “Young athletes are incredibly resilient, and they’ll adapt,” Staley said. “We’re guiding them in the way we want them to play.”
Dramatic Ending
USC recently triumphed over Clemson with a thrilling 71-67 overtime victory, where a buzzer-beater by Clemson’s Mia Moore initially appeared to keep the game alive. In a tense moment, officials reviewed the play after it seemed time had expired, leading to a debate about the call.
Gottlieb, having watched the conclusion multiple times, supports the decision made by the referees. “It’s tough with such close calls, but I believe they handled it correctly,” she acknowledged.
Staley, who was present to witness the dramatic finish, initially thought Moore’s shot counted. However, after reviewing it, she found herself agreeing with the officials. “It’s powerful to have the ability to review these calls, especially when they could determine the game’s outcome,” she remarked.
Uncle Dale
Wendale Farrow, now part of the Gamecocks staff, brings a unique perspective to the upcoming matchup against USC. Having spent seven seasons working with Gottlieb at California and USC, his connection runs deep—so much that his kids affectionately call him “Uncle Dale.”
As he prepared South Carolina’s scouting report for USC, Farrow felt a mix of nostalgia and duty. “Being part of their journey last year gives us an edge this weekend,” Staley noted, appreciating his insights gained from both the highs and lows of their shared experiences.
