South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley remains resolute in her team’s prospects, confidently asserting that despite the season-ending ACL tear for star forward Chloe Kitts and notable roster changes, the second-ranked program is “unafraid” and will maintain its winning stride, relying on its established system and deep talent pool.
The landscape of collegiate women’s basketball shifted significantly for the South Carolina Gamecocks as news broke of Chloe Kitts’ season-ending ACL tear. Just a day after Kitts shared her difficult announcement on social media, head coach Dawn Staley stepped onto the podium at SEC Basketball Media Days in Birmingham, Alabama, with a clear, unwavering message: it will be “business as usual” for the second-ranked Gamecocks.
This pronouncement from Staley, a figure known for her steadfast leadership and strategic brilliance, sets the tone for a season that many outsiders might perceive as challenging. However, for the Gamecocks’ loyal fanbase, it’s a familiar affirmation of the program’s resilience.
The Irreplaceable Loss and Collective Responsibility
Chloe Kitts, a pivotal figure and the 2025 SEC Tournament MVP, brought both tangible skills and invaluable intangibles to the Gamecocks. Her absence is certainly felt, a sentiment echoed by Staley herself at the media days. “Chloe is irreplaceable for what she brings so tangibly and intangibly,” Staley stated, emphasizing the unique void Kitts leaves.
The responsibility to fill that gap, however, is not placed on one player’s shoulders. Sophomore forward Joyce Edwards, who traveled with Staley to Birmingham alongside senior guard Ta’Niya Latson and junior guard Tessa Johnson (Kitts’ media days replacement), acknowledged the collective effort required. Edwards, who led the team with 494 points last season, averaging 12.7 points per game – the second-most by a freshman in program history – understands the pressure. “It puts more pressure on the team,” Edwards said, as reported by the Associated Press. “She contributes something that everybody will have to contribute individually. So as a team, you have to come together collectively and fill the gap that she normally fills.”
Navigating Significant Turnover with New Talent
Even without Kitts’ injury, the Gamecocks were already poised for a season of substantial change. Six letter winners departed in the offseason, including three starters who were selected in the 2025 WNBA draft. This level of turnover would challenge any program, yet Staley’s strategic foresight has positioned South Carolina to adapt.
The team welcomes two highly-touted freshmen, Agot Makker and Ayla McDowell, who are expected to contribute immediately. Additionally, Staley leveraged the transfer portal effectively, bringing in impact players like Florida State’s Ta’Niya Latson, who was the NCAA’s leading scorer at 25.2 points per game last year, and Mississippi State’s Madina Okot, who led the SEC in shot percentage during the previous season, as detailed by the Associated Press.
Confidence in Returning Talent and Proven System
Staley’s confidence isn’t solely placed on new faces. She also highlighted the significant improvements in her returning players. “Maryam (Dauda) is playing extremely well,” Staley noted. “Adhel (Tac) is playing much improved. Joyce is Joyce. Joyce is probably going to take the brunt of it because she’s just got more playing experience under us.” This emphasis on internal growth speaks volumes about the developmental strength of the Gamecocks’ program.
The Gamecocks concluded the 2024-2025 season with an impressive 35-4 record, falling short in a hard-fought 82-59 loss to UConn in the NCAA Championship game. This recent history of deep tournament runs and consistent winning lays a strong foundation for Staley’s “business as usual” mentality, even when facing adversity.
‘We’re Unafraid’: A Message to the Fanbase and Competitors
At the heart of Staley’s message is an unwavering belief in her team’s inherent strength and the system she has meticulously built. “We’re unafraid to go into the season without Chloe,” Staley declared. “You’re not going to see us skipping a beat. Our players know anytime we sustain any kind of injury, we believe in the system that we put together. We believe in the players that we assembled.”
This statement is more than just coach-speak; it’s a declaration of defiance and confidence that resonates deeply within the Gamecock community. It reinforces the idea that the program’s success is not dependent on a single player, but on a collective ethos, strategic recruitment, and a relentless commitment to excellence. As the season approaches, fans can anticipate the South Carolina Gamecocks will indeed be unafraid, ready to prove their championship mettle once again.
