At the end of next season, Dawn Staley is going to lose more players due to them being out of eligibility. So, while preparing for the South Carolina Gamecocks’ future, Staley is eyeing a few players, and Oliviyah Edwards is the most notable name on that list.
The 6-foot-3 forward from Washington plays high school basketball for the Elite Sports Academy. She recently made an announcement on X that sent South Carolina fans into a frenzy.
Oliviyah Edwards wrote:
“Coach Staley turns bigs into beasts…. so you know I had to check it out. I’ll be taking my official visit to South Carolina Women’s Basketball from September 19–21 🐔❤️”
Following the update, fans rushed to reply, asking Edwards to cancel all future visits as Staley’s team is going to be the best fit for her.
“Cancel all the other visits. Why? Watch how you fit in!” One fan wrote.
Cancel all the other visits. Why? Watch how you fit in!
— I’m No Expert (@TM_Burner) August 1, 2025
Other fans praised Staley for playing her cards right over the possibility of signing Oliviyah Edwards and welcomed the forward.
“Dawn Staley is the Master!” a fan WROTE.
“The best option. We will welcome you with open arms!! Come on home ❤️🖤❤️🖤🐓” another commented with a GIF of Staley.
“Come homeeeee 🐔🤙🏾” a fan said.
“Come check out your new home” a fan posted.
“You would be fantastic in garnet and black!” another noted.
Staley has been keeping an eye on the AAU circuits in search of her next batch of players. Edwards, the #2-ranked player in ESPN’s HoopGurlz rankings for the class of 2026, will be a major addition to the team.
While Staley and the Gamecocks might be in a rush to close the deal, Edwards has previously stated that she’s going to take her time in finalizing the next step in her career.
Oliviyah Edwards on committing to a college program
There’s no doubt that Oliviyah Edwards is one of the most talented and sought-after talents in the circuit. She has been generating interest from different coaches and programs for a while. Amid all the attention on her, she’s carefully analyzing all options.
“I am going to push (the decision) as far back as possible,” Edwards said in May, via Sports Illustrated. “With coaches (moving) and the transfer portal, I want to wait and see what it looks like. I don’t want to commit too early. So, I am probably going to do it next summer.”
Oliviyah Edwards made an unofficial visit to South Carolina last season as well. However, nothing materialized at the time. But the consistent visits and interest from fans are surely a positive sign as far as the Gamecocks’ future is concerned.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
