South Carolina women’s basketball is entering the 2025–26 season with one mission — make sure history doesn’t repeat itself. After falling to UConn in last season’s national championship, the Gamecocks have spent the offseason driven by one goal: getting back and finishing the job.
For Raven Johnson, that defeat became personal motivation. The redshirt senior returned for one more season determined to leave on top — and she’s not doing it alone. Reuniting with her high school teammate and best friend, Ta’Niya Latson, has reignited her competitive fire. Johnson said the offseason was all about elevating her offensive game and sharpening her leadership.
“It’s very important,” Johnson said. “That’s the goal, to get back to the national championship, and it’s very hard to get back there. So that’s what we’re doing in the summer and the preseason. This preseason was very hard for us. The stuff we did is gonna prepare us for March Madness.”
The Gamecocks face the challenge of replacing nearly half of last season’s rotation, but experience and leadership are in no short supply. Johnson credited the team’s veterans for stepping up and setting the tone early.
“Everybody, all the vets, they’re leading,” she said. “Tessa (Johnson), Chloe (Kitts), Ta’Niya, Madina (Okot), she’s talking. It’s great to see when we’re in practice, and I think we’re gelling really good right now.”
With many Gamecocks participating in international competitions over the summer, team practices were less frequent, allowing more emphasis on individual development — something that both players and coaches now see as a hidden advantage.
When asked which teammates improved most, Johnson’s response was simple: “Everybody.”
Head coach Dawn Staley echoed that exact sentiment.
“Everybody,” Staley agreed. “It’s a long list. It really is a long list. Joyce is better, shooting the ball better. Everybody. Maryam is better. Adhel’s improving. Like everybody — Tessa, everybody’s improved. We usually see improvement from a lot of players, and it’s just true to form for the returners.”
With preseason preparations now shifting toward refining offensive and defensive concepts, South Carolina will test its progress soon. The Gamecocks host Anderson for an exhibition on October 24 before heading to Atlanta for another on October 30, ahead of their season opener on November 3.
For a team built on championship standards, last year’s heartbreak has only strengthened their resolve. The message in Columbia is clear — the Gamecocks are coming back for everything they lost.
