South Carolina’s 2024-25 women’s basketball season came to a disappointing close with a heavy 82-59 loss to UConn in the national championship game. But with a deep and talented roster, the focus has quickly shifted to what’s ahead.
Of the 13 players on the roster, 10 have eligibility remaining, and only three seniors are confirmed departures. With two incoming freshmen and room for potential transfer portal additions, Coach Dawn Staley has options.
Departing Gamecocks (3)
Te-Hina Paopao, a senior guard and second-team All-SEC selection, wraps up her college career and sets her sights on the 2025 WNBA Draft. She used her COVID year to play a second season with South Carolina after three seasons at Oregon, and she led the team in three-pointers in both of her years at USC.
Bree Hall and Sania Feagin, two key contributors from the 2021 recruiting class, have also exhausted their eligibility. Hall was a consistent starter for three seasons, while Feagin, a senior-year starter, earned a spot on the SEC All-Defensive Team.
Undecided Returnees (2)
Raven Johnson, a redshirt junior, has a fifth year of eligibility due to an early-career ACL injury. The second-team All-SEC guard hinted that her decision might be influenced by how the season ended, saying: “Kind of,” when asked if the loss would impact her choice. “I’ve made a decision,” she added. “I’ll reveal it soon.”
Sakima Walker, a veteran forward, is eligible for an extra season due to new NCAA guidance for JUCO players. Though she played limited minutes, Walker said she’ll consider her return in the offseason: “I know I have the opportunity to come back if I want to. So it’s always there.”
Expected to Return (8)
MiLaysia Fulwiley, the dynamic guard known for her viral highlights, is poised to step into a starting role in her junior year. Already an SEC Tournament MVP and Sixth Woman of the Year, her breakout seems inevitable.
Tessa Johnson, who led the team in three-point shooting (43%), is also expected to play a larger role as a junior. If Raven Johnson doesn’t return, she’s a likely starter. Other guards returning include Maddy McDaniel, a 5-foot-9 junior praised for her steady growth.
The frontcourt will be stacked with the return of Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards. Kitts, a 6-2 senior, led USC in rebounding and notched a triple-double this season. Edwards, the No. 2 recruit in her class, led the team in scoring and was named First-Team All-SEC — all as a freshman coming off the bench.
Ashlyn Watkins will look to bounce back after a tumultuous junior year. She was arrested in August on serious charges (which were later dismissed), returned in November, then suffered a torn ACL in January, limiting her to just 14 games.
Forwards Maryam Dauda and Adhel Tac round out the returning group. Dauda, a transfer from Arkansas, saw limited minutes this year but is expected to take on a bigger reserve role. Tac, at 6-5, is the tallest player on the team and continues to develop her defensive presence after a redshirt year.
New Additions (2)
The Gamecocks will welcome two highly rated freshmen from the 2025 class:
- Ayla McDowell, a 6-2 forward from Cypress Springs (TX), and
- Agot Makeer, a 6-1 wing from Montverde Academy (FL).
Both four-star recruits played in the 2025 McDonald’s All-American Game and bring size, versatility, and upside.
Transfer Portal Outlook
Even if every eligible player returns, South Carolina would have 12 scholarship players, leaving three open spots under the NCAA’s 15-scholarship limit.
Coach Dawn Staley confirmed that moves are already being made:
“There’s some things in the works that will make our team better,” she said.
The Gamecocks have been active in the portal in recent years, landing top players like:
- Kamilla Cardoso (Syracuse) in 2021
- Kierra Fletcher (Georgia Tech) in 2022
- Paopao and Walker in 2023
- Maryam Dauda in 2024
Expect more strategic additions this offseason to reinforce a team that’s not done chasing titles.
