A significant blow to the South Carolina Gamecocks, Chloe Kitts‘ season-ending ACL tear demands a deep analysis of how Dawn Staley‘s squad will adapt, who will fill the void, and what this means for Kitts‘ promising WNBA prospects.
The quest for another national championship just became significantly more challenging for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team. On Monday, October 13, 2025, the university announced that senior forward Chloe Kitts will miss the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL in her right knee. This devastating injury, sustained during a recent team practice, will require surgery later this week, sidelining one of the team’s most impactful players just ahead of their season tip-off on October 24.
Kitts’ Journey: From Champion to MVP
Chloe Kitts has been a cornerstone of the Gamecocks‘ recent dominance. As a vital member of the 2024 national championship squad, she consistently demonstrated her prowess on the court. Her junior season (2024-25) saw her elevate her game further, averaging an impressive 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, while shooting 52% from the field. Her standout performance earned her the MVP title at the 2025 SEC Tournament and helped propel South Carolina to the national championship game, where they ultimately fell to UConn.
Before her breakthrough junior year, Kitts proved her value as a sophomore, starting 31 games and contributing 9.1 points and 5.9 rebounds. Her growth and consistent performance made her a projected first-round pick in the upcoming 2026 WNBA Draft. This injury not only impacts her collegiate career but also casts a shadow of uncertainty over her professional aspirations, prompting a critical decision about potentially using an additional year of college eligibility after recovery.
Dawn Staley’s Challenge: Adapting a Championship Roster
Head coach Dawn Staley acknowledged the profound impact of Kitts‘ absence. “We hate this first for Chloe, who has worked incredibly hard to become the best version of herself on the court this season,” Staley stated in a release from GamecocksOnline.com. Despite the setback, Staley expressed confidence in her team’s resilience. “Her teammates are capable of stepping up, and I know that her competitive fire and tenacity will be felt from the sidelines as she pours what she can into them to ensure our team’s success.”
The Gamecocks are no strangers to adapting to unforeseen challenges, having successfully navigated previous player injuries through strategic planning and player development. However, Kitts‘ role as a 6-foot-2 senior forward provided a significant inside presence and veteran leadership that will be difficult to replicate.
Who Steps Up? Filling the Void
With Kitts sidelined, the Gamecocks must quickly adjust their lineup and strategy. All eyes will likely turn to sophomore forward Joyce Edwards, who is expected to slide into Kitts‘ starting spot. Edwards showcased immense potential last season, leading the team in scoring with an average of 12.7 points per game, alongside five rebounds and 1.2 assists, despite making only one start in 39 games.
The team’s offseason also saw significant turnover and new additions:
- Departures: Seniors Te-Hina Paopao, Sania Feagin, and Bree Hall graduated to the WNBA. Sophomores MiLaysia Fulwiley and Sakima Walker entered the transfer portal.
- Newcomers: Senior guard Ta’Niya Latson, who led the nation in scoring at Florida State last season, and senior center Madina Okot from Mississippi State, join promising recruits Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell.
While these new talents bring considerable skill, the challenge for Coach Staley will be integrating them quickly while fostering the depth needed to compensate for Kitts‘ absence, especially her experience and inside scoring. The team’s roster, detailed on USA Today Sports Data, highlights the blend of seasoned players and fresh faces.
A Familiar Challenge: The ACL Tear and Player Recovery
The injury to Chloe Kitts echoes a recent challenge within the South Carolina program. Fellow forward Ashlyn Watkins also suffered a season-ending ACL tear in January and has opted to take the entire season off for recovery, underlining the physical demands of high-level basketball. These instances highlight the importance of team resilience and robust support systems for athlete rehabilitation.
Kitts herself took to social media to share her thoughts, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support. Her message, posted on Instagram, revealed her faith and commitment to her team: “While this isn’t how I hoped my senior season would go, I’m trusting God’s timing and purpose. I’ll continue to lead, support, and push my team from the sidelines. We have big things ahead!”
The fan community has rallied behind Kitts, with teammates like Ashlyn Watkins and Maryam Dauda, and even coaches from opposing teams such as Yolett McPhee-McCuin of Ole Miss, sending messages of support and prayers for a swift recovery. This collective outpouring underscores the camaraderie and shared experience within the women’s college basketball world, even amidst intense competition.
The Road Ahead: Championship Aspirations and Personal Decisions
Despite the significant blow, South Carolina remains a formidable force and a favorite for the national title. However, Kitts‘ injury undeniably makes their path “trickier.” The team’s ability to develop depth, integrate new talent, and maintain their competitive edge will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
For Chloe Kitts, the road ahead involves intensive rehabilitation. Beyond her recovery, a crucial decision looms regarding her WNBA draft eligibility. While she was a projected first-round talent, the injury could influence her stock. The option to forgo the draft and return for an additional collegiate season, utilizing a medical redshirt, presents a path for her to regain full strength and re-establish her draft position without rushing her professional career. Her commitment to leading from the sidelines, even in her absence, speaks volumes about her dedication to the Gamecocks‘ success.
