Chloe Kitts Reflects on Special Bond with Kamilla Cardoso and South Carolina’s Drive for Redemption
Chloe Kitts, South Carolina’s 6-foot-2 standout forward, recently opened up about the tight connection she shared with former teammate Kamilla Cardoso during their time on the court. The dynamic duo played side by side from 2022 to 2024, before Cardoso was drafted 3rd overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
In a May 2024 interview with Bacon Network, Kitts reflected on their natural chemistry, describing how their shared instincts and understanding elevated their play.
“I think it came about because we both know where we want the ball,” Kitts said. “We both just get it to each other where we want it. That’s kind of how our chemistry started.“
Their seamless connection was instrumental in Dawn Staley’s run to the 2023-24 NCAA Championship. But it wasn’t just about the on-court synergy. Kitts emphasized how the Gamecocks’ off-court bond helped strengthen their team dynamic.
“Off the court we’re all close, our whole team is close,” she added. “We all hang out and it’s a great time on and off the court.“
The chemistry paid off statistically, too. In a standout performance against Texas A&M on Jan. 21, Kitts recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Just days later, she dropped 14 points on 66.7% shooting against LSU, while Cardoso added 11 points and 8 boards.
“We just kept finding each other passing the ball, it just clicked,” Kitts explained. “It just happened. I don’t really know how to explain it. She knows where I want it, I know where she wants it. We both want it in the same area.“
Their connection was on full display in the SEC Tournament Final against LSU on March 10, where Cardoso tallied six rebounds and three blocks, while Kitts contributed with four rebounds.
That closeness, on and off the floor, was a hallmark of Staley’s Gamecocks throughout the season—a major factor in their success.
Kitts on UConn Rematch: “The Embarrassment” Fueled Us
Leading into their 2025 NCAA Championship rematch with UConn, Kitts didn’t mince words when asked what motivated the team after their previous encounter. On Feb. 16, South Carolina suffered a crushing 87-58 home defeat, snapping a 71-game home win streak.
“Honestly, the embarrassment,” Kitts admitted. “I mean, I was embarrassed. We were all embarrassed. To lose by that much, to lose our winning streak.“
It wasn’t just the scoreboard that stung—it was how the Gamecocks were outplayed.
“We were just out-hustled,” she added. “Every one of them kind of out-worked us, and we felt that. We felt that for a while. Ever since that game, we’ve gotten better, we’ve matured.“
Her words mirrored what teammate Te-Hina Paopao expressed post-game:
“We just got punked today. It was very much embarrassing.“
Although South Carolina hoped for revenge in the championship game on April 6, UConn once again came out on top with an 82-59 victory. Still, the journey—and the lessons—were defining for Kitts and her team.
