Dawn Staley recently gave an update on Chloe Kitts. The South Carolina Gamecocks forward tore her ACL in September and will miss the entire 2025-26 season. Now, fans have an official timeline for Kitts’ return.
The biggest issue regarding her injury and missing the entire season was that it was unclear whether Kitts would stay with the Gamecocks or enter the WNBA Draft this year. Despite missing an entire season, Kitts has made a lasting impact in college basketball.
She joined the Gamecocks in 2022, became an NCAA Champion in 2024, and was the 2025 SEC Tournament MVP. If she decided to go for the WNBA Draft, Kitts would’ve garnered interest from many teams.
However, she has decided to stay in South Carolina, and Staley recently confirmed.
“Chloe will come back next year,” Staley said. “I think she said that on Instagram. Right? Well, as far as I know (she’s coming back). Transfer portal isn’t open yet.”
Although Kitts has been ruled out for the season, she’s still enjoying her team’s success. She’s spending time around her coach and her teammates. She recently featured in a video posted by Dawn Staley on social media.
Coach Staley, Chloe Kitts, Khadijah Sessions, Raven Johnson, and Agot Makeer recorded a video together, which was choreographed by Adhel Tac. The Gamecocks have every reason to be in celebration mode.
They’ve won their last eight games and have a 27-2 overall record. The Gamecocks, with a 13-1 record, are leading the SC conference. They have remained undefeated at home, and their next matchup is against the Missouri Tigers. The Gamecocks would try to protect their undefeated run at home.
Dawn Staley Could Win SEC Coach of the Year
Staley has had multiple successful careers, and she’s still not showing any signs of slowing down. With a dominant run this season, she is among the frontrunners for several head coaching awards for the season.
As per Steffi Sorensen, Staley deserves to win the SEC Coach of the Year.
“I think Dawn has done a tremendous job this year. I think for her, Coach of the Year,” she said. “She’s had to navigate Chloe Kitts going out, no Ashlyn Watkins, injuries throughout the year, and the year that this league has been, it’s pretty incredible. I think she’s done a great job.”
Staley is also on the 2026 Naismith Coach of the Year watch list alongside some of the best coaches in college basketball.
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