South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley has officially added two elite recruits to her 2025 signing class, securing commitments from five-star wings Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell, who chose the Gamecocks over a host of national powerhouses.
Both newcomers are already earning recognition before even stepping onto the court in Columbia. On3’s Talia Goodman, in her preview of the 2025-26 SEC season, highlighted Makeer and McDowell among the conference’s top incoming freshmen.
Although both are listed as 6-foot-1 guards, the pair bring unique skill sets to Staley’s roster.
Agot Makeer, a versatile talent who has played nearly every position except center at the high school level, is expected to thrive as a perimeter-focused reserve. Known for her elite shooting touch, multi-positional defense, and athleticism, Makeer is poised to become an immediate contributor off the bench.
Meanwhile, Ayla McDowell brings a more physical and rugged style to the team. She can score from multiple levels, defend across positions, and is expected to help fill the rebounding void left by departed standouts Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins. McDowell, Makeer, and Maryam Dauda could form a strong rotation of impact bench players, alongside post presence Adhel Tac and dynamic guard Maddy McDaniel.
Last season, Joyce Edwards earned Freshman All-American honors, and both Makeer and McDowell possess the potential to follow in her footsteps. While their exact roles are still being defined, a short-handed 10-player roster ensures that the talented freshmen will have ample opportunity to shine early.
The Gamecocks begin their 2025-26 regular season on Monday, November 3, when they host the Grand Canyon ‘Lopes. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. on SEC Network+.
