Dawn Staley’s reputation as one of women’s college basketball’s premier recruiters continues to flourish as the South Carolina head coach has secured four significant commitments for her 2026-27 roster. The quartet of elite prospects—Kelsi Andrews, Kaeli Wynn, Jerzy Robinson, and Alicia Tournebize—represents a masterclass in talent identification, relationship building, and program vision that has become the hallmark of Staley’s championship dynasty.
The Foundation: Kelsi Andrews
The recruiting momentum began in early October when Kelsi Andrews, ranked 18th in ESPN’s class rankings, announced her decision on October 7, shortly after taking her official visit to Columbia . The versatile big brought an impressive pedigree to her commitment.
Andrews stands 6-foot-4 and plays for IMG Academy in Florida after previously competing at Auburn High School in Alabama . Her ranking credentials are strong across multiple services—she is a five-star recruit and the second-ranked center in her class according to the 247Sports Composite, while also holding the distinction as Florida’s top recruit and 19th nationally .
Her international experience adds another dimension to her value. Andrews won a gold medal with the United States at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup and participated in the 2025 USA Women’s U19 National Team Trials in Colorado Springs . South Carolina beat out several prominent programs for her services, as Andrews also visited Auburn, Mississippi State, LSU, and Virginia before selecting the Gamecocks.
California Pipeline: Kaeli Wynn
Just over a month later, Staley added another major piece when Kaeli Wynn, a 6-foot-2 forward from Mater Dei High School in California, announced her pledge to the Gamecocks on Monday, November 10 . Her commitment represented a breakthrough for South Carolina’s West Coast recruiting efforts.
Wynn is a five-star prospect ranked 17th in ESPN’s Top 100 for the class of 2026 . Her decision carried particular significance as she picked South Carolina over Stanford , demonstrating the program’s growing national reach.
The recruiting process showcased South Carolina’s ability to create meaningful connections with prospects. Wynn took an official visit with the Gamecocks on September 5 and was spotted sitting behind South Carolina’s bench during its exhibition against Anderson last month, building familiarity with the program culture.
Speaking about her choice, Wynn emphasized multiple factors beyond basketball. Her decision reflected appreciation for leadership, tradition, and community—the intangibles that define championship programs.
The Crown Jewel: Jerzy Robinson
The biggest splash came most recently when Robinson, ranked fifth overall and the final five-star recruit in the 2026 class to commit, announced her decision to join South Carolina . The 6-foot guard from Sierra Canyon High School in California had been pursued by virtually every elite program in the country.
Robinson is the highest-ranked recruit for Staley since Joyce Edwards, who was third in the class of 2023 . Her commitment came after careful deliberation, as she took an official visit to LSU in October and had also visited UConn before making her late October official visit to South Carolina .
Robinson’s basketball résumé extends far beyond high school competition. Her international credentials include multiple gold medals representing Team USA, demonstrating her ability to excel against elite competition. At just 15 years old, she also secured a significant endorsement deal with Nike and signed with Klutch Sports for representation—the same agency that represents several current and former Gamecocks, including program legend A’ja Wilson.
The timing of Robinson’s visit proved crucial. In late October, Robinson made her official visit to South Carolina, and when she visited, she expressed that she was already home and already valued there, feeling this was where she needed to be for the next four years .
International Addition: Alicia Tournebize
While Andrews, Wynn, and Robinson represent future talent, Staley also secured an immediate impact addition in French forward Alicia Tournebize. Standing 6-foot-7, Tournebize most recently played professionally for Tango Bourges Basket in France’s EuroLeague Women and will be immediately eligible this season after enrolling early to join the team following the holiday break .
Her addition provides critical frontcourt depth for the current roster while also establishing a foundation for future seasons. Tournebize’s professional experience in Europe’s top competition gives her a maturity and polish that typically requires years of college development.
Strategic Recruiting Excellence
The four commitments demonstrate several key aspects of Staley’s recruiting strategy. First, geographic diversity: securing two elite California prospects breaks new ground for a program that previously accessed the West Coast primarily through transfers. Second, positional balance: the class addresses both perimeter and interior needs with versatile players capable of multiple roles.
Robinson joining a loaded 2026 class that already includes Wynn and Andrews gives South Carolina three signees ranking inside ESPN’s Top 20, a feat matched only by South Carolina and USC across the last three recruiting cycle . This consistency in landing elite talent separates championship programs from merely good ones.
The class also reflects careful attention to team chemistry and cultural fit. All four players emphasized factors beyond basketball in their decisions—leadership, program culture, and community connection resonated throughout their announcements.
Building for Sustained Success
These commitments address both immediate and long-term roster needs. With key contributors like Ta’Niya Latson, Raven Johnson, and Maryam Dauda exhausting eligibility after this season, the incoming talent ensures South Carolina maintains its championship standard through roster transitions.
The versatility within the class provides strategic flexibility. Andrews and Tournebize anchor the interior, Wynn offers positional versatility between wing and forward, while Robinson’s guard skills provide perimeter creation and defensive pressure—all elements central to South Carolina’s identity.
As the Gamecocks continue their pursuit of another national championship this season while sitting at third in the national rankings with a 12-1 record, Staley has simultaneously secured the program’s future. The four commitments represent not just individual recruiting victories but a comprehensive vision for sustained excellence that has made Columbia the premier destination for elite women’s basketball talent.
