One of the nation’s top young post players is heading to Columbia this weekend. Class of 2026 standout Kelsi Andrews, a four-star recruit, announced on social media that she will take an official visit to the South Carolina women’s basketball program.
Originally from Auburn, Alabama, Andrews now plays at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where she has developed into a consensus top-25 national prospect. Many recruiting outlets project her as a potential five-star once the 2027 rankings are finalized.
She also competes on the AAU circuit with FBC United, the same powerhouse program that produced stars like Joyce Edwards, Raven Johnson, TaNiya Latson, Ashlyn Watkins, Kamilla Cardoso, and former Gamecock MiLaysia Fulwiley.
At 6-foot-4, Andrews has been listed as both a center and power forward. In Rivals’ 2027 rankings, she currently sits at No. 20 overall, No. 4 among power forwards, and No. 2 in Florida.
Her trip to Columbia gives Dawn Staley the perfect chance to sell South Carolina’s “Post Player U” reputation. Few programs have developed elite bigs the way the Gamecocks have. A’ja Wilson recently claimed her fourth WNBA MVP, Aliyah Boston has already become a three-time All-Star, and Kamilla Cardoso went top five in the 2023 WNBA Draft.
Andrews has also made it clear what matters most to her in choosing a program. “The most important things to me are winning, [and] making me feel like I’m at home,” she told Rivals earlier this year. South Carolina checks both boxes, with championships under Staley and a reputation as one of the most player-focused programs in the country.
Basketball runs in Andrews’ family. Her mother played collegiately at LSU and Alabama, while her father suited up for Alabama football. That athletic pedigree shines through in her game. While not known for elite explosiveness, she’s a strong, aggressive player with excellent length, making her a tough rim protector and rebounder. Offensively, she’s effective around the basket but also has a dependable mid-range jumper. This past summer, she gained international experience competing with Team USA at the U17 World Cup.
Recruiting-wise, Andrews has already been busy. She recently took an official visit to LSU and has others lined up with Notre Dame, Duke, and Mississippi State. She also listed Ohio State as one of the schools in frequent contact.
