Dawn Staley’s mission to win another national title just hit a snag as South Carolina star Ashlyn Watkins announced that she would be taking a year off from playing basketball. She noted that she needed some time off for personal reasons and will be back stronger than before during the 2026-2027 season.
“With everything that’s happened this year, I’m going to take some time off to focus on myself, my community, my faith and my family, so that I can grow as an individual and attempt to master this journey of life,” she said in her statement. “I’m so grateful for my coaches, the USC medical team, my teammates, and everyone who’s supported me along the way. For now, I’ll be cheering on my team and working hard to come back even stronger in the 2026-27 season.”
BREAKING:
Ashlyn Watkins announces she will not play next season for @GamecockWBB
She says she is going to take time to focus on herself and plans to return for the 2026-2027 season pic.twitter.com/n8EByzJWcK
— Matt Dowell (@MattDowellTV) July 25, 2025
This was soon followed by a statement from Dawn Staley herself, saying that she and the coaching staff are fully supporting Watkins as she takes a break from basketball.
“Everyone in our program is valued as the whole of who they are, not just as a player or coach or staff members and not just for the time they are on our team,” Dawn Staley said in the statement. “We will support Ashlyn as she works through getting her mind and body stronger; and we will be here when she is ready to return.”
As a sophomore, Ashlyn Watkins heavily contributed in that undefeated South Carolina run to the national championship in 2024, averaging 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. She was also big last season, when the Gamecocks returned to the national title game, only to fall to the UConn Huskies in the finals.
Ashlyn Watkins Has Had A Troubled Year Before Taking Break
Last season, Ashlyn Watkins was riddled with injuries, limiting her time on the court. This may have prompted her to step away from basketball for a bit, but there is also her kidnapping allegations.
In 2024, she was arrested on charges of assault and battery and kidnapping but was granted a $30,000 personal recognizance bond. She was accused of assaulting a victim by “forcefully grabbing her face, pulling her arms and pushing.” This prompted many to believe that the break is not just for her body to heal, but also a personal one.
Watkins reportedly picked her accuser up and carried her against her will, thus the kidnapping charge.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
