Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks are the only SEC women’s basketball team that didn’t lose any players to the transfer portal this year. It’s a testament to Staley’s greatness as a head coach and to how successfully she has managed the Gamecocks program so far. However, some players left the team this year for other reasons.
Raven Johnson and Ta’Niya Latson moved on to the WNBA, while Maryam Dauda ran out of college eligibility. Still, the core of the South Carolina Gamecocks remains unchanged, and to make things better, Dawn Staley has got arguably her best player back from injury.
Forward Ashlyn Watkins tore her ACL in January 2025 and underwent surgery. Watkins knew that she’d miss at least half the season, so she decided to sit out the entire season to preserve eligibility. Now, the 22-year-old forward is back for her senior year. Watkins announced her return with a video on social media.
“Hey, it’s Ashlyn Watkins. I’m excited to be back for my senior year. I’m ready to get back to work. Go Gamecocks,” she said in the video posted by Gamecockwbb on Instagram.
Her current and former teammates showed love in the comments, celebrating her return to the program.
Chloe Kitts welcomed her with teary-eyed emojis. Raven Johnson wrote, “Ashhhhh,” with heart emojis. Tessa Johnson also celebrated her teammate’s return, writing, “WOOHOOOOOOOO,” in the comments.
“Hey Ashlyn we’re happy to see you back can’t wait til the season starts. Let’s go Gamecocks!” a fan wrote.
Kitts, who also tore her ACL and missed the entire season, is also slated to return for South Carolina in 2026.
Dawn Staley Will Have a Super Team Next Season
Dawn Staley took the South Carolina Gamecocks to the NCAA Tournament final this year. They were one of the strongest teams in the country throughout the season and a heavy favorite to win the title.
However, they suffered a blowout loss to the UCLA Bruins in the final. The loss must’ve motivated Staley and Co. to come back stronger next season. As per the program’s Athletic Director, Jeremiah Donati, Staley has a super team ready for the 2026-27 season.
“Yeah, geez, it’s hard to imagine the portal season going for any coach better than it did for Coach Staley. I mean, I had colleagues from all over the country reaching out to me saying, ‘Wow, that’s a super team.’ Now, Dawn would tell you they’ve got to get here, they’ve got to grow and assimilate into the program, but really excited,” Donati said.
Donati boasted about not losing any players to the transfer portal, and now, with the return of two of their best players, the Gamecocks are once again among the strongest teams.
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