South Carolina Lands Its First 2026 Commit: Five-Star Forward Kelsi Andrews Chooses Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks
The future of South Carolina women’s basketball just got even brighter. On Tuesday, Kelsi Andrews, one of the nation’s top-ranked forwards, announced her commitment to Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks, becoming the team’s first pledge in the 2026 recruiting class.
The 6-foot-4 standout made her decision public during a ceremony at IMG Academy, proudly declaring she would be joining “Dawn’s Daycare” — the affectionate nickname for Staley’s player development system.
“South Carolina just felt right,” Andrews told ESPN. “The people, the culture, and the way they care about you beyond basketball reminded me why I fell in love with the game in the first place.”
Who Is Kelsi Andrews?
Andrews is one of the most versatile players in her class, capable of dominating in the paint or stretching the floor. Ranked No. 18 nationally by HoopGurlz and No. 30 by Rivals/On3, she’s described as the modern prototype of a post player — physical, mobile, and skilled both inside and out.
Her connection with South Carolina runs deep. The Gamecocks began recruiting her when she was in middle school, a relationship that never wavered, even as Andrews endured two ACL injuries.
“(Jolette) Law was one of the first coaches to watch me play back in seventh grade, and from that moment, they’ve been consistent ever since,” Andrews said. “Through both of my ACL tears, Coach Staley never left my side – and that meant everything to me.”
Andrews also comes from a strong athletic lineage. Her father, Carlos Andrews, played football at Alabama, while her mother, Jamilah Johns, played basketball for LSU and Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide in rebounding as a senior before moving into coaching.
Why Gamecock Fans Should Be Excited
Andrews has already shown what she can do at the highest levels of high school basketball. In IMG Academy’s 80-78 victory over Montverde at the Chipotle Nationals, she posted 12 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks — a performance that solidified her reputation as a relentless rebounder and rim protector.
That Montverde team featured current Gamecock Agot Makeer and Saniyah Hall, the top-ranked prospect in the 2026 class.
On the international stage, Andrews represented Team USA, earning two gold medals. She averaged 6.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game at the 2023 FIBA Americas U16 Championship, followed by another appearance at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup.
While her stats were modest — partly due to her recovery from knee injuries — the fact that she made both rosters speaks volumes about her talent and determination.
Overcoming Adversity
Andrews has faced her share of challenges, tearing both ACLs — her right in 2022 and her left in 2023. Those setbacks caused her to slide slightly in the rankings, but recent evaluations show her stock is back on the rise.
She’s jumped from No. 30 to No. 20 in Rivals/On3’s latest update, with coaches and scouts noting that she’s regained her explosiveness and confidence.
“She’s fully healthy again,” one recruiting analyst noted. “And South Carolina clearly believes she can return to top-10 form.”
What This Means for South Carolina’s Recruiting Picture
With Andrews now on board, some fans are wondering if the Gamecocks are still pursuing Olivia Vukosa, the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2026 class. The short answer? Absolutely.
“6-foot-4 posts don’t grow on trees,” the staff has often emphasized — meaning Staley would gladly take both elite bigs, just as she once did with Aliyah Boston and Kamilla Cardoso.
Even if Vukosa ultimately chooses another program, South Carolina can rest easy knowing it already has a cornerstone frontcourt piece in Andrews.
Who’s Next for the Gamecocks?
Several top prospects remain on South Carolina’s radar. Vukosa is expected to visit in the coming weeks, followed by Lola Lampley on October 16. Other potential visitors include Brihanna Crittenden, Sara Okeke, and Jerzy Robinson.
Meanwhile, Somto Okafor, Sitaya Fagan, Emily McDonald, and Kaeli Wynn have already made campus visits, with Fagan reportedly finishing her recruiting process.
The Bottom Line
Kelsi Andrews’ commitment is more than just South Carolina’s first 2026 pledge — it’s a statement. Despite injuries and adversity, Andrews never wavered in her connection to the Gamecock family. With her size, versatility, and elite work ethic, she’s poised to become another Dawn Staley success story.
“Coach Staley believed in me through everything,” Andrews said. “Now I get to return that faith — and bring championships back to Columbia.”
