South Carolina’s 2024-2025 Season will be remembered not for what it lacked, but for how far it went. A conference championship, SEC tournament title, and a national runner-up finish would be a dream scenario for nearly any college program. But under Dawn Staley, the bar in Columbia is sky-high—so much so that losing by 23 in a National Championship game to the most decorated program in women’s basketball history feels like a disappointment, even if that’s far from reality.
The Gamecocks boasted the deepest roster in the country, top to bottom. But UConn’s Big Three, all likely future top WNBA Draft picks, were firing on all cylinders for months, and on that final stage, they simply couldn’t be stopped.
Gamecock fans can’t help but wonder—what if Sarah Strong had chosen South Carolina over UConn last spring? That decision alone might have changed the outcome, possibly preventing those 2024-2025 UConn Championship t-shirts from shipping overseas.
Still, there’s hope in the cycle. The last two seasons where South Carolina fell in the Final Four were followed by national titles. And all signs point to another strong run in 2025-2026.
Departing Seniors and WNBA Prospects
Three seniors will be moving on: Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, and Sania Feagin.
- Paopao is projected as a late first to early second-round pick in the upcoming April 14 WNBA Draft.
- Feagin is expected to land in the late second or early third round.
- Hall is not projected to be drafted but made it clear postgame that she’s ready for success in her next chapter.
With the WNBA expanding to 13 teams in 2024 and 15 by 2026, more players will find opportunities at the pro level.
Draft-Eligible Gamecocks
Four other Gamecocks are eligible for the draft:
- Raven Johnson
- Ashlyn Watkins
- Maryam Dauda
- Sakima Walker
Walker saw limited minutes and can return due to JUCO eligibility rules. She has hinted at a future in coaching.
Dauda is unlikely to be drafted and is expected back unless she seeks more playing time elsewhere.
Watkins, recovering from a knee injury, likely won’t declare. A medical redshirt season is possible, delaying her return until mid-January 2026.
That leaves Raven Johnson, who has only hours left to make her decision public. “I’ve already made my decision,” she said, adding that she’ll announce it Monday or Tuesday. She’s been active in transfer portal recruiting, and there’s a 70% chance she returns.
Projected Returners and Lineup
Assuming no major departures via the portal, the core will feature:
- Raven Johnson
- MiLaysia Fulwiley
- Tessa Johnson (or a portal replacement)
- Chloe Kitts
- Joyce Edwards
Adhel Tac and Maddy McDaniel are expected back, and two McDonald’s All-Americans—Ayla McDowell and Agot Makeer—are joining the squad. Notably, Staley beat out Geno Auriemma and UConn to land Makeer, a 6’1 wing from Montverde Academy via Canada.
Transfer Portal Plans
Historically, Dawn Staley has taken a measured approach to the portal, engaging only when the right fit emerges. In 2024, she pursued Kiki Iriafen, who chose USC, and in prior years, also explored options like Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow.
This season, with 12 names currently locked in, three roster spots remain open—but Staley may not fill them all. The three key transfer targets include:
- A true post (6’4+), to support Kitts and Edwards.
- A veteran guard—essential if Raven Johnson turns pro.
- Best available—a player too talented to ignore, like Iriafen last season.
Reflecting on a Bittersweet Ending
Despite the crushing 82-59 loss to UConn, the Gamecocks held their heads high.
“Our kids gave it all they had,” said Dawn Staley. “When you understand why you lost… you can swallow it.”
This was not the heartbreak of 2021, the shock of 2023, or the bittersweet joy of 2015—it was disappointment, but also gratitude. Gratitude for a senior class that transformed the program and helped take it to new heights.
“Much respect to UConn,” Staley added. “They executed masterfully. But I have to say goodbye to a senior class that made a historic impact on our game, our city, our state.”
Bree Hall, reflecting on her journey, said: “I’m just not as upset as you’d think… I’ve won two national championships. I just had such a great experience here.”
Legacy of a Senior Class
Hall, Feagin, and Paopao are leaving behind a lasting legacy:
- Four Final Fours
- Four SEC regular-season titles
- Three SEC tournament titles
- Two National Championships
This group helped elevate South Carolina from a “great program” into a women’s basketball dynasty.
“They’re just great human beings,” said Staley. “They’ve let me coach them being my uncensored self. That’s rare.”
Looking Ahead
The future is bright in Columbia. With Fulwiley, Tessa Johnson, Joyce Edwards, Chloe Kitts, and two elite freshmen on board, Staley is already working the portal to reload—not rebuild.
“I know what it feels like to lose,” said Joyce Edwards. “And I don’t want to be here again.”
As the final buzzer sounded, Bree Hall embraced a tearful Raven Johnson, whispering encouragement: “Keep your head up. You’ve been amazing to this program.”
They didn’t finish as champions in 2025—but in every other way, they always will be.
