USC Trojans Win Big as Five-Star Australian Star Sitaya Fagan Commits — Dawn Staley and South Carolina Miss Out
The USC Trojans scored a massive recruiting victory this week, landing Australian five-star sensation Sitaya Fagan, one of the most sought-after international prospects in the class of 2026.
Fagan, a 6-foot-4 wing-forward, announced her commitment to the Trojans after narrowing her final list to South Carolina, Texas, and USC, ultimately choosing to take her talents to Los Angeles. Her decision marks a major win for head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, who continues to build USC into a national powerhouse alongside superstar guard JuJu Watkins.
Known for her elite length, agility, and defensive versatility, Fagan has drawn comparisons to WNBA standouts for her ability to guard multiple positions and dominate both ends of the floor. Scouts describe her as a “game-changer” with the perfect blend of size, speed, and skill — the kind of player who can elevate a program overnight.
Fagan’s commitment comes as a tough blow to Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks, who had been heavily pursuing the Aussie standout for months. Staley’s staff made a strong push, emphasizing South Carolina’s track record of developing WNBA-caliber talent and competing for national championships. However, in the end, Fagan was drawn to the Trojans’ growing momentum and the opportunity to shine in the Pac-12 spotlight.
In an Instagram post announcing her commitment, Fagan thanked her family, coaches, and supporters back home in Australia, writing that she was “ready to take the next step and join something special.”
The addition of Fagan bolsters USC’s 2026 recruiting class, already regarded as one of the strongest in the nation. With Watkins leading the charge and Gottlieb assembling a roster packed with athleticism and versatility, the Trojans are positioning themselves as the next dynasty in women’s college basketball.
Meanwhile, for South Carolina, this marks a rare recruiting miss for Staley — though the Gamecocks remain loaded with elite talent and are still in contention for several other top 2026 prospects.
Still, there’s no denying it — Sitaya Fagan’s commitment to USC is a statement. The Trojans are no longer chasing college basketball’s elite; they’re becoming part of it.
