South Carolina Faces Major Shake-Up as MiLaysia Fulwiley Joins LSU, Dawn Staley Eyes Fresh Talent for Rebuild
Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks wrapped up another impressive season with a dominant 35-4 overall record, including a 15-1 run in SEC play, and a statement SEC Tournament championship victory over Texas. However, the journey ended in heartbreak on April 6, when they fell to Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies in the NCAA Tournament final.
But the challenges didn’t stop with the loss.
In a major blow to the roster, the Gamecocks have seen several key players depart following the 2024-25 season. Among them are Te-Hina Paopao and Sania Feagin, both off to the WNBA. Adding to the upheaval, on Friday, standout sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley announced her transfer to bitter conference rival LSU.
Fulwiley made it official via Instagram, posting a photo in an LSU Tigers jersey with the caption:
“Geaux Tigers 💜💛”
Her departure stings deeply. Fulwiley was the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 11.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 steals in just 18.9 minutes per game. She led the team in steals and earned 2025 SEC Sixth Player of the Year, after winning SEC Tournament MVP in 2024.
With Fulwiley’s exit, Staley faces a tough rebuilding challenge, especially after losing so many cornerstone pieces. But the program isn’t standing still.
South Carolina is already moving to restock its arsenal, securing commitments from two top-tier recruits:
- Agot Makeer, a five-star talent from Montverde Academy, and
- Ayla McDowell, a five-star recruit out of Cypress Springs, Texas.
The biggest offseason win came on April 8, when Ta’Niya Latson, a Second-Team All-American and the nation’s leading scorer last season (25.2 PPG at Florida State), committed to join the Gamecocks. Her arrival brings instant firepower and leadership to a reloading squad.
While the road ahead won’t be easy, with Dawn Staley at the helm and elite talent pouring in, don’t count South Carolina out just yet.
