Chloe Kitts’ Redemption Tour: From Bench Warmer to Gamecock Powerhouse in the Final Four
Exactly one year ago, Chloe Kitts sat on the sidelines during the most pivotal game of her young career. In the 2023 Final Four win over NC State, the South Carolina forward played fewer than 12 minutes. She didn’t register a single point or assist, finishing with just four rebounds and a turnover. To make matters tougher, Ashlyn Watkins started over her in the second half.
That experience, however, became fuel.
“(The NC State) game just motivated me, sitting on the bench,” Kitts admitted days later. “I sat there because that’s what I deserved to do.”
Fast forward to the national championship game against Iowa, and Kitts made a powerful statement with an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double.
“I wanted it so bad today,” she said afterward. “I went out there and gave it my all.”
That hunger carried into the 2024-25 season. Kitts opened with back-to-back 19-point double-doubles, then exploded for 21 points and 11 rebounds against Duke. Since South Carolina’s only loss of the season to UConn, Kitts has elevated her game even more. In the 11 games since, she’s recorded six double-doubles, including a triple-double at Ole Miss.
During that stretch, she’s averaging 12.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and shooting a blistering 57.1% from the field. She’s scored in double figures in every game except the rout at Vanderbilt, where starters were rested.
Her consistent excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed. Kitts has been named SEC Tournament MVP, Birmingham Regional 2 MVP, and earned honorable-mention All-America honors.
Now, back in the Final Four for the third time, Kitts is no longer the timid freshman on the bench. Her mindset has shifted entirely.
“I don’t really think about last year besides winning the natty,” she said. “What drives me is I want to win, honestly. I do remember that game, though.”
In South Carolina’s January victory over Texas, Kitts had 11 points and six rebounds. But during the regular season rematch, her impact dipped to nine points and four boards, and Coach Dawn Staley limited her to 24 minutes, citing a lack of trust late in the game.
That narrative flipped in the SEC Tournament final in Greenville, where Kitts stepped up with 15 points and nine rebounds. Staley leaned on her to capitalize on size mismatches against the Longhorns and play composed, smart basketball.
As South Carolina faces Texas once again in Friday’s Final Four clash, the Gamecocks will look to Kitts for that same dominant presence. From riding the bench in her first Final Four to becoming a key to winning it all — Chloe Kitts’ journey is nothing short of remarkable.
