Inside South Carolina’s Secret Weapon: The Highlighters and Their Impact on the Gamecocks’ Success
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley has always emphasized the importance of preparation, and she credits a major part of the Gamecocks’ dominance to an unsung group—the Highlighters, the team’s dedicated male practice squad. Their contributions are so vital that they receive championship rings alongside the team.
The Birth of the Highlighters
The concept of male practice players in women’s college basketball isn’t new, but South Carolina’s squad has a unique identity. Five years ago, the coaching staff wore spare neon camp counselor shirts during a practice. The practice players, in turn, received similar shirts, and the name “Highlighters” was born.
“One of the guys was like, ‘Yeah, we’re the Highlighters’ based off the shirts, and it just stuck,” said Freddy Ready, South Carolina’s Director of Player Development.
Becoming a Highlighter
It’s not just about showing up—there’s a process. To make the squad, players must have high school basketball experience and the ability to learn plays quickly.
“Not anybody can just come out here and play with our girls,” Ready emphasized. “They need to understand the game at a high level, and when we’re running a scout, they have to adapt fast.”
The selection process begins with an email blast across USC departments, seeking interested students. Among those who answered the call was Benjamin White, a fourth-year exercise science major.
“I wasn’t even looking for basketball,” White recalled. “My advisor asked me what I was interested in, and next thing I know, I got an email about the Highlighters.”
The tryout mimics an open run, where 20-25 players are evaluated based on their basketball IQ, skill, and adaptability. Ready stressed that it’s not just about talent. “It’s about having the mental capacity to execute plays and do exactly what we need.”
Life as a Highlighter
The bond between the Highlighters mirrors that of a traditional basketball team.
“There’s just something about needing each other—on defense, on offense,” White said. “We build that chemistry, and it carries off the court too.”
But their main mission? Preparing the Gamecocks for battle.
“I feel like we play a big part in their success,” White admitted. “We scout opposing players, and it’s rewarding to see our work pay off in games.”
Starting guard Raven Johnson agrees: “Practice is way harder than games. That’s the difference for us.”
Balancing School and Basketball
Being a Highlighter isn’t just a hobby—it’s a commitment. Players juggle academics with intense practice schedules. White spends his mornings working under strength and conditioning coach Molly Benetti, followed by setting up for practice, scrimmaging against the team, and then heading back to his internship.
“It’s a grind,” White said. “But it’s worth it.”
A Historic NIL Deal for the Highlighters
The Highlighters’ sacrifices don’t go unnoticed. Thanks to Oofos, a partner of Dawn Staley since 2022, the squad received their first-ever NIL deal—a rare honor for practice players. Their gift package included custom neon gear, socks, water bottles, and slides.
“They sacrifice so much. They work so hard,” Staley said. “They love basketball, but they also know they’re helping us. I try to come up with creative ways to reward them, and this was a cool partnership.”
Ready echoed that sentiment: “Since we can’t do anything financial for them, it’s nice to be able to give them something special. This is going to be a yearly thing.”
From helping the Gamecocks sharpen their skills to making history with NIL, the Highlighters are more than just a practice squad—they’re a key piece of South Carolina’s championship formula.
