Staley Says Gamecocks Already Behind as International Play Keeps Stars Away
South Carolina women’s basketball officially opened preseason practice this week, but head coach Dawn Staley admitted the Gamecocks are starting from behind. With several players competing overseas for their national teams this summer, South Carolina only had time to install a handful of basic offensive sets.
“It began almost as soon as last season ended,” Staley explained. In late April, Chloe Kitts, Joyce Edwards, Tessa Johnson, and Maddy McDaniel headed to Arizona for the 3X Nationals. By June, Edwards and freshman Ayla McDowell were competing in the AmeriCup Tournament in Chile—Edwards for Team USA and McDowell for Brazil.
McDowell then flew straight to Czechia for the U19 World Cup, where she was joined by fellow freshman Agot Makeer, representing Canada. Edwards capped her busy summer by returning to Chile for the 3X3 Nations League in late July.
“This offseason was kind of like no other,” Staley said. “We didn’t have our entire team here this summer. Joyce was gone, and then our freshmen weren’t here because they were with their national teams. We really didn’t do anything besides learn some offensive concepts, and that’s not much.
“We’re not where we need to be.”
Staley even joked that the heavy 3X3 schedule gave her players habits that don’t always translate to the five-on-five game.
“Chloe came back, during the tournament, saying, ‘Joyce and I need to be playing more pick and rolls,’” Staley said with a laugh. “Okay. What about the four other people that are going to be on the court when it’s not 3X3?”
Why Staley Encourages International Play
Despite the setbacks, Staley makes no apologies for encouraging her players to pursue international opportunities. For her, it’s personal. As a player, she dreamed of the Olympics, ultimately winning three gold medals and serving as the flag bearer for the United States in 2004. She later returned to the Games as a coach, guiding Team USA to another gold medal in Tokyo. This summer, she was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame.
Staley wants her players to experience the same growth she did. Beyond the prestige, international play is a major developmental tool.
“Anytime your players can play outside the season and play in a competitive event, it’s a good thing,” Staley said.
She’s seen it firsthand. Last year, Sania Feagin missed part of preseason practice while playing in the 3X3 U23 World Cup in Mongolia. She came home with a gold medal and the confidence boost that helped her become a key contributor for the Gamecocks.
Recruiting Benefits
International tournaments also open doors for recruiting. Staley and associate head coach Lisa Boyer traveled to Czechia to support McDowell and Makeer—and left with new names on their radar.
Somto Okafor (Spain) and Sitaya Fagan (Australia) were standout performers at the World Cup, and both have emerged as South Carolina targets. Okafor has already visited Columbia, while Fagan, who has the Gamecocks in her top three, is expected to visit soon.
So while Staley admits her team has ground to make up in preseason, she insists the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term frustration.
