Injuries during practices ahead of a new season can be tough, and Dawn Staley‘s South Carolina has been hit with a major one as senior forward Chloe Kitts has suffered a massive injury. In her Instagram page, the Gamecocks star revealed she tore her ACL, which means that her season is now officially over, as ACL injuries take months to heal and require surgeries.
She wrote a message on Instagram and thanked everyone for their support:
“Thank you everyone who has reached out with love and support. I recently suffered an ACL tear and, unfortunately, will be out for this season. 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 and push my team from the sidelines. We have big things ahead!” wrote Chloe Kitts.
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This in particular is a big blow to Dawn Staley’s squad as Kitts has been improving a lot over the last two seasons, earning the starter position and helping the Gamecocks win a national title in 2024. She had been a bulwark for South Carolina, being one of their best offensive threats.
Kitts is now expected to have surgery on her leg this week and there is no timeline for her return as of the moment, though as far as the 2025-2026 season goes, she is done and is not expected to play anymore.
Kitts raised concerns last week after she was seen at the South Carolina vs. Georgia volleyball game wearing a full knee brace. At that time, it was not yet known what her injury is, but South Carolina was hoping that she could play through it as the new season approaches, though that would not be happening anymore.
Dawn Staley Releases Statement Regarding Chloe Kitts Injury
Following the news that Chloe Kitts would be missing the entire 2025-2026 season, South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley released a statement and said that her players will be stepping up in the forward’s absence.
“We hate this first for Chloe, who has worked incredibly hard to become the best version of herself on the court this season,” she said. “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.”
Even if Staley said that her teammates will be stepping up, Kitts had been a bulwark for South Carolina, averaging 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, and she has proven that she could deliver with double-double performances as well.
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