The South Carolina women’s basketball program is sending a strong message to the rest of the basketball world this summer: the Gamecocks don’t just dominate on the national stage—they’re a global force. Three of Dawn Staley’s most promising and proven stars—Joyce Edwards, Kamilla Cardoso, and Ayla McDowell—have earned spots on their respective national team rosters for the upcoming FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, which will be held in Santiago, Chile, from June 28 to July 6.
Joyce Edwards Shines Again for Team USA
Rising sophomore Joyce Edwards continues to collect accolades at a rapid pace. After a standout performance at the USA Basketball trials, Edwards was officially named to the 12-player Team USA roster for the AmeriCup. This marks her third appearance in red, white, and blue, having already represented the United States in the 2023 AmeriCup (where she helped capture gold) and the 2024 FIBA U19 World Cup.
Edwards is coming off a breakout freshman campaign with South Carolina, where she averaged 12.7 points per game, led the team in scoring, and came off the bench to help power a Final Four run. Her efficiency was eye-catching—she shot over 52% from the field, made clutch defensive plays, and earned a long list of postseason honors: First-Team All-SEC, Freshman All-American, and Honorable Mention All-American. With her combination of power, finesse, and elite basketball IQ, it’s no surprise that she continues to earn spots on elite rosters.
Kamilla Cardoso and Ayla McDowell Represent Brazil
Team Brazil will also feature two faces familiar to Gamecock fans. Kamilla Cardoso, the 6-foot-7 South Carolina legend and now rookie with the Chicago Sky, will suit up once again for her home country. A seasoned international star, Cardoso has been with Team Brazil for five years and was named MVP of the 2023 AmeriCup, where she led Brazil to a stunning gold-medal win—over Team USA, no less.
Despite her busy WNBA rookie season, Cardoso has been granted permission to join the Brazilian squad after fulfilling WNBA obligations, highlighting just how crucial she is to Brazil’s championship hopes.
Meanwhile, Ayla McDowell, a five-star freshman and one of the most anticipated arrivals for South Carolina this fall, will make her debut in the senior-level AmeriCup tournament. McDowell already gained valuable experience with Brazil’s U18 team last year and is eager to make her mark on a bigger stage. She’ll head to Santiago before joining the Gamecocks officially later this month, where she’s expected to challenge for playing time despite a deep and talented roster.
A Global Gamecock Legacy
With three Gamecocks playing on international stages this summer, it’s clear that South Carolina’s reach goes far beyond the NCAA. From veteran WNBA players like Cardoso to rising college stars like Edwards and McDowell, the pipeline from Columbia to the world stage is stronger than ever.
As Coach Dawn Staley continues to build her legacy, the Gamecocks are not just a powerhouse in the SEC or even just in college basketball—they’re becoming a global brand, shaping the future of the sport at every level.
“This isn’t just about one school dominating in March,” one analyst noted. “It’s about a program consistently producing talent that competes—and wins—at every level of the game, including the international stage.”
With the FIBA AmeriCup tipping off later this month, all eyes will be on Santiago—and on the trio of Gamecocks who are ready to take center stage.
