Ashlyn Watkins Taking Year Away from South Carolina Basketball to Rehab, Reset
South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins will not be on the court—or in the classroom—during the 2025-26 season.
The 6-foot-3 junior tore her ACL in January and announced over the summer that she would step away from both basketball and school. Head coach Dawn Staley confirmed on Sept. 22 that Watkins is not currently enrolled but will continue her rehab under the program’s medical staff.
“Obviously it’s hard because you know basketball is a big part of what an athlete does,” Staley said. “The mental part of it too, it’s draining. If your mentals aren’t right, it’s going to have a compound effect. I think it’s pretty brave of her to do something like this. I think she’ll come back … as much as we can see her, we see her.”
Staley added that she stays in frequent contact with Watkins, texting and talking often. For now, the forward has one season of eligibility left and intends to return for 2026-27.
Watkins explained her decision in a heartfelt Instagram post on July 25:
“With everything that’s happened this year, I’m going to take some time off to focus on myself, my community, my faith, and my family, so that I can grow as an individual and attempt to master this journey of life. For now, I’ll be cheering on my team and working hard to come back even stronger in the 2026-27 season.”
A Rocky Junior Year
Watkins’ 2024-25 campaign was limited to just 14 games. In August 2024, she was arrested on charges of first-degree assault and battery and kidnapping, which led to her suspension from all team activities. She later completed a pre-trial intervention program, and the charges were dropped. Watkins was reinstated in November and returned to practice before being sidelined in January with the ACL injury.
Breakout Player Before the Setback
Before her injury, Watkins had become a key piece for Staley’s squad. She averaged 9.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game in 2023-24, shooting 55% from the floor and playing a pivotal role in South Carolina’s perfect 38-0 national championship season.
Her standout moments included a career-high 20 rebounds in the 2024 Final Four against NC State and a double-double with 11 points and 11 boards in what turned out to be her final game of the 2024-25 season against Missouri. She also scored a season-high 13 points against Purdue on Nov. 30.
Now, as the Gamecocks prepare for the upcoming season without her, Watkins’ focus remains on recovery, reflection, and an eventual comeback.
