𝙅𝙐𝙎𝙏 𝘼𝙉𝙉𝙊𝙐𝙉𝘾𝙀𝘿: 𝘿𝙖𝙬𝙣 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙖’𝙨 𝙉𝙀𝙒 𝙍𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 – 𝙁𝙐𝙇𝙇 𝘿𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙨 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚………

𝙅𝙐𝙎𝙏 𝘼𝙉𝙉𝙊𝙐𝙉𝘾𝙀𝘿: 𝘿𝙖𝙬𝙣 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙖’𝙨 𝙉𝙀𝙒 𝙍𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 – 𝙁𝙐𝙇𝙇 𝘿𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙨 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚…………

Columbia, SC —In a move eagerly awaited by fans and analysts alike, South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley has officially announced the Gamecocks’ roster for the upcoming 2025–26 season. With a mix of seasoned veterans, promising sophomores, and key transfer portal additions, Staley’s vision for the future of the program is clear: reload, not rebuild.

Following a season that saw South Carolina finish as the NCAA tournament runner-up, expectations are as high as ever for one of the most dominant programs in college basketball. The latest roster reveals a team that blends continuity with change, as Staley prepares her squad to once again contend for national glory.

Leading the returning core is **Raven Johnson**, the veteran point guard whose on-court leadership and defensive prowess were pivotal last season. Johnson, now entering her senior year, is expected to be the team’s vocal leader and primary playmaker. Her chemistry with returning wing **Tessa Johnson** will form a critical foundation in the backcourt.

Also returning is rising sophomore Joyce Edwards**, who made waves during her freshman campaign with her high-energy rebounding and hustle plays. After gaining valuable postseason experience, Edwards is widely projected to have a breakout year.

Every off-season brings changes, and this year the Gamecocks saw the departure of several high-impact players.

The most significant loss was **MiLaysia Fulwiley**, the electric guard who stunned the college basketball world by entering the transfer portal and committing to **LSU**, South Carolina’s SEC rival. Fulwiley’s offensive creativity and highlight-reel plays will be missed.

Additionally, key veterans **Te-Hina Paopao** and **Chloe Kitts** declared for the WNBA Draft. Both players were instrumental in the team’s deep tournament run, and their leadership leaves big shoes to fill on and off the court.

To fill the gaps, Dawn Staley made major moves in the transfer portal — none bigger than the addition of **Ta’Niya Latson a prolific scorer from Florida State. Latson brings instant offense and the potential to become the Gamecocks’ go-to scorer, replacing the offensive void left by Fulwiley and Paopao.

Another major pickup is **Madina Okot**, a highly recruited international center known for her shot-blocking and post dominance. Okot is expected to anchor the frontcourt and pair well with Edwards to form a formidable inside duo.

These additions reinforce South Carolina’s status as a top-tier destination for elite talent, and once again show Staley’s ability to quickly adapt and reload.

Based on preseason practices and internal reports, the Gamecocks’ likely starting five for the 2025–26 season is:

This starting unit balances experience, versatility, and athleticism. With Latson’s scoring, Johnson’s leadership, and Edwards’ rising star power, the Gamecocks are expected to be one of the most complete teams in the nation.

In her press conference announcing the roster, Coach Staley spoke passionately about the team’s goals.

This program isn’t built on individual stars. It’s built on a standard — a standard of excellence, discipline, and togetherness,” she said. “We respect the past, but we’re always moving forward.”

With a fresh yet formidable roster, the Gamecocks are poised to chase their next national title. Whether through dominant defense or explosive scoring, one thing is certain: under Dawn Staley’s leadership, South Carolina remains a powerhouse in women’s college basketball.