South Carolina has added top-tier recruits, including Agot Makeer, the No. 4-ranked prospect in the Class of 2025, and Ayla McDowell, a 6’2″ forward from Texas.

South Carolina has added top-tier recruits, including Agot Makeer, the No. 4-ranked prospect in the Class of 2025, and Ayla McDowell, a 6’2″ forward from Texas….

In a major recruiting win for the South Carolina Gamecocks, head coach **Dawn Staley** has secured commitments from two of the nation’s most sought-after high school prospects — **Agot Makeer**, the No. 4-ranked player in the Class of 2025, and **Ayla McDowell**, a 6’2″ forward from Texas with elite versatility. The duo marks a significant boost for the Gamecocks as they continue to establish themselves as the gold standard in women’s college basketball.

Agot Makeer**, a 6’4″ forward from Minnesota, is a game-changing talent with a rare blend of size, skill, and court intelligence. Known for her shot-blocking prowess, rebounding ability, and polished footwork in the post, Makeer has drawn comparisons to WNBA legends. Her decision to commit to South Carolina over programs like UConn, LSU, and Stanford speaks volumes about the Gamecocks’ national pull.

Coach Staley’s commitment to excellence and empowering her players stood out to me,” Makeer said during her televised announcement. “It’s more than basketball — it’s about growing as a person and a competitor.”

Ayla McDowell**, meanwhile, brings a unique skill set to the table. The Texas native has built her reputation as a high-energy forward who excels in transition and can guard multiple positions. Her scoring range and quickness make her a nightmare for opposing defenses, and she’s been a standout in national AAU circuits.

South Carolina felt like home from the moment I visited,” McDowell said. “The intensity, the support, the legacy — I knew I wanted to be part of that.”

With Makeer and McDowell joining an already loaded roster, South Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in the country. Their commitments reinforce the program’s dominance not just on the hardwood, but also on the recruiting trail.

Coach **Dawn Staley**, who has led the Gamecocks to multiple Final Four appearances and national championships, continues to attract top-tier talent year after year.

These young women embody the future of this program,” Staley said. They’re hungry, talented, and ready to work. That’s the Gamecock way.”

With a blend of experience, coaching excellence, and now, new star power on the way, South Carolina is positioned to remain at the top of the women’s basketball world for years to come.