There is a lot of uncertainty regarding South Carolina center Madina Okot’s college career. From her humble beginnings in Kenya to her arrival in the United States to play for Mississippi State, she’s had an incredible journey, including playing for Dawn Staley this season.
The Gamecocks have submitted a waiver to the NCAA, requesting an extra year of eligibility for the center, given her history. But will Okot return to play for Staley’s team?
On Wednesday, WACH FOX’s Matt Dowell made an interesting observation. Okot shared an Instagram post reflecting on her season with the South Carolina Gamecocks. In the post, she expressed her gratitude for the experience and memories of playing under Staley.
Former Gamecocks player-turned-assistant coach Khadijah Sessions commented on the post, saying she would miss the center on the roster.
Dowell believes this is evidence that the NCAA did not grant Okot another year of eligibility. If so, the 2025-26 campaign was her last at the collegiate level.
During the 2024-25 campaign with Mississippi State, Okot played in 34 games and averaged 11.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game. They made the NCAA Tournament but lost to the USC Trojans in a second-round showdown.
This season, Madina Okot played in 39 games for the South Carolina Gamecocks. She averaged 12.8 ppg, 10.6 rpg, and 1.0 apg. Dawn Staley’s team reached the championship game, where it was beaten 79-51 by the UCLA Bruins, who clinched their first title. Okot played for 14 minutes and scored six points with three rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
Madina Okot reveals Dawn Staley’s message after national championship loss to UCLA
After the championship showdown, Madina Okot was asked about Dawn Staley’s message to the players in the locker room. The center revealed that the South Carolina coach tried to maintain a positive atmosphere while looking ahead to the future.
“She told us to keep our heads high,” Okot said. “She told everybody that was gonna return to just keep working. It’s a loss, but life doesn’t end here. You have another chance. Just, when you go back on, work on the things that didn’t work for you.”
Since taking over as the coach in 2008, Dawn Staley has won three national championships with the Gamecocks.
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