Former Gamecocks Shine in WNBA Matchup as Dawn Staley Beams with Pride
Dawn Staley’s legacy at South Carolina continues to grow—not just through championships and dominant recruiting classes, but through the success her former players are finding at the professional level. A recent WNBA showdown between the Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries served as a powerful reminder of that legacy, as three former Gamecocks reunited on the court.
Laeticia Amihere, Aliyah Boston, and Bree Hall, all products of Staley’s powerhouse program, crossed paths once again—this time as pros. After the game, the trio came together for a postgame photo that was later shared by the WNBA on social media. Their former coach couldn’t hold back her emotions.
“Heart is full!!! @GamecockWBB LOVE!” Staley wrote, celebrating the moment.
Aliyah Boston Leads the Charge
Aliyah Boston, the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick, was the standout of the night. She posted a double-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks, anchoring the Fever’s interior. Although Indiana ultimately fell to Golden State, 88–77, Boston’s performance was a reminder of why she remains one of the league’s rising stars. A two-time NCAA champion and national player of the year at South Carolina, Boston played in Columbia from 2019 to 2023, helping lead the Gamecocks to unprecedented success.
Amihere Impresses off the Bench
Across the court, Laeticia Amihere gave a solid performance for the Golden State Valkyries. In 19 minutes off the bench, Amihere contributed 10 points, three rebounds, and three assists, showcasing her versatile skill set. The Canadian forward, who also played at South Carolina from 2019 to 2023, was a key rotational piece in the Gamecocks’ 2022 national title run.
Bree Hall Begins Her Journey
Bree Hall, a recent addition to the Valkyries’ roster, didn’t see action in the game but her presence added to the significance of the night. Hall was selected in the second round of the 2025 WNBA Draft by Indiana but was waived by the Fever on May 5. She signed with Golden State earlier this week and continues to learn the ropes during her rookie season.
Still just 21 years old, Hall already owns two NCAA championships (2022 and 2024) and remains one of the bright young prospects with potential to shine in the league as she adjusts.
A Dynasty Built in Columbia
Dawn Staley’s impact on women’s basketball stretches far beyond the sidelines of Colonial Life Arena. With three national championships (2017, 2022, 2024), seven Final Four appearances, and nine SEC Tournament titles, her program has become the gold standard.
More importantly, Staley is producing not just champions, but pros ready to compete—and thrive—at the highest level. As her former players find success and sisterhood in the WNBA, the foundation Staley built continues to prove itself, one Gamecock at a time.
