Former South Carolina Teammates Show Support After MiLaysia Fulwiley’s Transfer to LSU
When MiLaysia Fulwiley announced her decision to leave the South Carolina Gamecocks and join the LSU Tigers via the transfer portal last spring, it sparked immediate interest across women’s college basketball — not only because she moved to a rival SEC program, but also because of her deep roots in Columbia and prior success under South Carolina coach Dawn Staley. What followed was a wave of reactions from former teammates that revealed respect, encouragement, and genuine support for her choice.
Teammates Flood Instagram With Positive Messages
The first public reactions came on social media after Fulwiley posted her commitment to LSU on Instagram on April 25, 2025, with the caption “Geaux Tigers.” Rather than a bitter or hostile response from her former Gamecock peers, many of her ex-teammates responded with enthusiastic and supportive comments:
- Te-Hina Paopao, a former Gamecock and 2025 WNBA first-round pick, reacted with “OOOWWWEEEEE 🔥🔥🔥” — emphasizing excitement and energy for Fulwiley’s next chapter. (SI)
- Bree Hall, another former South Carolina standout and 2025 WNBA draftee, also chimed in with celebratory 🔥 emojis. (SI)
- Sania Feagin, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2025, showed affection with “❤️❤️🔥.” (SI)
- Ashlyn Watkins, sidelined by injury at the time, added a personal message: “congrats my boy 🫶🏽.” (SI)
- Sakima Walker, a senior at South Carolina, initially wrote “FINALLY 😩!!!” and soon followed with “happy for you brothaaa 🥹❤️!!!” expressing both humor and heartfelt support. (SI)
These reactions underscored that even though Fulwiley chose to transfer to a conference rival, her teammates held no ill will — instead, acknowledging her talent and wishing her well beyond Columbia.
Support Beyond Basketball Teammates
Fulwiley’s support also came from outside the basketball roster. South Carolina track and field star JaMeesia Ford, who is also Fulwiley’s girlfriend, responded enthusiastically to the move despite remaining at South Carolina. Ford wrote “LFGGG 💜🐯!!!” and “WE LIKEEEE THISSSSS 💛💜!!!” on Fulwiley’s announcement post, blending Tigers pride with emotional backing. (Yahoo Sports)
Even outside reactions from LSU players and others (such as Flau’jae Johnson adding heart emojis to Fulwiley’s LSU arrival post) showed that her transition was embraced across programs. (Sportskeeda)
A Respectful Parting With Her Former Program
The reaction from Fulwiley’s former teammates stands in contrast to the intense rivalry that sometimes characterizes South Carolina–LSU basketball matchups — including on-court scuffles and off-court headlines. Instead of public drama, the responses from players indicated respect for Fulwiley’s personal decision, acknowledging that her time at South Carolina was meaningful but that she was moving on for reasons her teammates could support.
For many fans, seeing the camaraderie and positive messages — from fiery emojis to heartfelt congratulations — highlighted that while rivalries may be heated on the court, the human connections built through shared locker rooms and championships often outlast them.
