South Carolina women’s basketball commit Kelsi Andrews is on the road to recovery after suffering a knee injury that temporarily sidelined her ahead of her senior season. The talented forward, who is part of Dawn Staley’s elite 2025 recruiting class, has been working through an intensive rehab process with encouraging signs pointing toward a full recovery.
The Injury Setback
Andrews sustained the knee injury during an offseason workout earlier this year, a setback that initially raised concerns about the severity and her availability for the upcoming high school season. The injury was later confirmed to be a ligament sprain rather than a full tear — a relief to both her camp and the South Carolina staff.
According to sources close to her program, Andrews began her rehabilitation shortly after the diagnosis, focusing first on mobility and stability exercises before gradually resuming strength training.
Rehab and Recovery Progress
Recent updates from Andrews’ high school coach indicate that the 6-foot-2 forward has made “significant progress” and is ahead of schedule in her recovery timeline.
“Kelsi’s been incredible through this process,” her coach said. “She’s stayed committed to her rehab, doing everything the trainers ask of her. She’s back to light on-court work — some shooting, stationary drills, and conditioning — and she looks stronger every week.”
Andrews herself shared an optimistic tone on social media last week, posting a brief clip of her shooting jumpers in the gym with the caption:
“Step by step. Grateful for progress. 💪🏽❤️ #RoadToRecovery”
Expected Return Timeline
While no official return date has been confirmed, Andrews is expected to be cleared for full basketball activity by late December or early January, depending on how her knee responds to increased workload. The plan is to ease her back into competitive play to ensure full confidence in her movement and explosiveness before she resumes full game action.
The Gamecocks’ medical and recruiting staff have maintained close communication throughout her rehab process. Head coach Dawn Staley reportedly remains optimistic about Andrews’ recovery and long-term outlook.
“We believe in Kelsi,” Staley said recently when discussing her 2025 class. “She’s got the mindset and the work ethic that fits everything we value here. We’re excited for her to get healthy and join us soon.”
What This Means for South Carolina
Andrews’ versatility and physicality make her an ideal fit for Staley’s system — a two-way forward who can defend multiple positions and stretch the floor with her shooting touch. Her recovery is not just important for her high school team but also for the Gamecocks’ future rotation plans.
With her rehab going smoothly, South Carolina fans can expect Andrews to return to form before arriving in Columbia next summer. Her determination and steady progress have been described as “a glimpse of the competitor” Staley and her staff fell in love with during recruiting.
If things continue as planned, Kelsi Andrews could be back in full action early in the new year, ready to finish her high school career strong and enter her freshman season at South Carolina fully healthy and confident.
