The South Carolina women's basketball team is bracing for a challenging season as they face the significant loss of Chloe Kitts due to a season-ending ACL injury. This announcement, made via her social media, has sent ripples through the team, yet Coach Dawn Staley remains resolute in her approach. Speaking at SEC basketball media days in Birmingham, she emphasized that her strategy is straightforward: the Gamecocks will continue to operate as they always have, regardless of this setback.
Accompanying Staley at the event were sophomore forward Joyce Edwards, senior guard Ta’Niya Latson, and junior guard Tessa Johnson, who will take Kitts' place at media days. Their collective aim this season is clear: "I truly need them to show their true selves. Chloe brings irreplaceable qualities, both in measurable and immeasurable ways," Staley noted on Tuesday. She pointed out that most players on the roster, save for two recent transfers and a freshman, are well aware of what it means to wear the Gamecocks uniform.
The team was already navigating significant player turnover, having lost six letterwinners in the offseason, including three starters who were picked in the upcoming 2025 WNBA Draft. Yet, all is not bleak; the Gamecocks are well-prepared, having brought in two highly-touted freshmen, Agot Makker and Ayla McDowell. Staley also made strategic moves in the transfer portal, bringing in Florida State’s Latson, who led the NCAA in scoring last season with an impressive average of 25.2 points per game, and Mississippi State’s Madina Okot, who was recognized for having the best shot percentage in the SEC.
However, this doesn’t mean that Staley has lost faith in her returning players. "Maryam Dauda is performing exceptionally well, and Adhel Tac has shown noticeable improvement. Joyce is Joyce; she's seasoned and ready to step up in Kitts' absence," Staley shared, highlighting the strength of her existing lineup.
Last season, the Gamecocks concluded their campaign with a commendable record of 35-4, which included a tough defeat against UConn in the NCAA Championship Game. Edwards stood out as the team's leading scorer, accumulating 494 points and averaging 12.7 points per game—an impressive figure that places her second in scoring by a freshman in the program's history.
While Edwards recognizes the heightened responsibility that now rests on the team, she is keenly aware that the effort to fill Kitts' unique role will need to come from all corners of the roster. "This places additional pressure on the entire team. Chloe offers contributions that we all must now collectively replicate. It's crucial for us to unite and address the void she's left behind," Edwards expressed thoughtfully.
Despite Kitts' absence—who was named the 2025 SEC Tournament MVP—Staley remains confident that her squad will display unwavering resilience. "We’re fully prepared to enter the season without Chloe,” she affirmed. “Our rhythm won’t falter. Whenever we encounter injuries, we trust the framework we’ve established and the talent of the players we have gathered together.**
But here’s where it gets thought-provoking... can a team truly adapt to such a substantial loss without significant adjustments in their play style? How do you think the Gamecocks will cope with these challenges? Feel free to chime in with your thoughts and insights below!
