Dawn Staley Lands Elite 2026 Forward Kelsi Andrews, a Naismith Watchlist Star, for South Carolina Women’s Basketball
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley continues to build for the future, announcing that Kelsi Andrews — a standout from Hazel Green, Alabama, currently playing at IMG Academy — will join the Gamecocks beginning with the 2026–27 season. Andrews, who will arrive with four years of eligibility, was named earlier today to the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Girls High School Player of the Year Watchlist.
“Kelsi brings a unique combination of size, skill and versatility that perfectly fit how we want to play,” Staley said. “Her basketball IQ, defensive presence and resilience make her a special addition to our Gamecock family. And, with her ability to score inside, stretch the floor with her 3-point shot and impact the game on both ends of the court, she has the potential to continue our legacy of elite frontcourt players.”
The 6-foot-3 forward is ranked No. 18 nationally in the Class of 2026 and has already built an impressive résumé. Andrews helped lead IMG Academy to the 2025 High School National Championship, posting 12 points and 13 rebounds in the title game — a performance that ended the championship hopes of future Gamecock teammate Agot Makeer and Montverde Academy.
Before transferring to IMG, Andrews starred at Hazel Green High School in Alabama, where she began establishing herself as one of the most promising young forwards in the country. She’s also a familiar face in USA Basketball, having earned gold medals at both the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup and the 2023 FIBA U16 Americas Championship.
With Andrews’ commitment, Staley secures her first signee in the 2026 recruiting class, adding yet another highly skilled, two-way talent to South Carolina’s growing legacy of dominant frontcourt players.
