South Carolina women’s basketball signee Kaeli Wynn will miss her entire senior season after undergoing knee surgery, her mother and coach, Jody Wynn, confirmed.
Wynn first injured her right knee in January, suffering a dislocated kneecap in a non-contact play that forced her to sit out the rest of her junior year. Although she made her way back to the court months later, she re-aggravated the injury during an April workout, which kept her sidelined throughout the summer.
Despite hoping to return for her final high school season, Wynn never suited up for Mater Dei this year. Last week, Jody announced that surgery had become necessary, ending any chance of a comeback.
According to the Orange County Register, Jody explained that the procedure is “unfortunately” Kaeli’s “only option to return to playing again,” adding that her daughter will “sadly be out for her senior season.”
Wynn, a 6-foot-2 versatile forward, is considered one of the top recruits in the 2026 class. She is ranked 22nd by Rivals, 17th by ESPN, and 38th by 24/7 Sports. As a junior, Wynn averaged 17 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, earning MaxPreps honorable mention All-America honors.
Known for her wide-ranging skill set, Wynn calls herself a “do-it-all player,” capable of slotting into multiple roles on the floor. With two parents who coach basketball, her sharp basketball IQ, strong decision-making, and versatility have become defining traits of her game.
With Wynn sidelined, both of South Carolina’s 2026 commitments are now recovering from knee injuries. Fellow signee Kelsi Andrews had surgery in October to repair a torn meniscus and remains out as well.
