Chloe Kitts Reflects on Growth, Inspiration, and the Road Ahead for South Carolina
South Carolina forward Chloe Kitts fell just short of helping the Gamecocks defend their national title this past April, as UConn claimed the championship. But the rising senior is set to return to Columbia for one more season before becoming eligible for the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Appearing on The Uninterrupted podcast Thursday, Kitts shared the traits she admires most in NBA and WNBA stars—and revealed one player she’d never want to face on the court.
“They asked me this question the other day,” Kitts said. “(Speed) Jackie Young, ’cause she’s super fast, she be blowing past people. (Post moves) KD—he’s a big guard, got a mismatch on the perimeter and down low, got a nice fadeaway. (Scoring ability) I’d say Steph. Defense, I’d say Di’Jonai Carrington—she be locking people up. I see her blocking people, I don’t want her to guard me. (Passing) Jokic—he’s a really good passer and he’s big too, he be throwing dimes. (Swag) Shai for sure, he can dress.”
Kitts was a breakout force for Dawn Staley’s squad last season, stepping into a starting role and delivering several standout performances. She became the first Gamecock since Aliyah Boston in 2021 to post a triple-double, doing so against Ole Miss in February, and was later named SEC Tournament MVP after leading South Carolina to the conference crown in March.
For the year, Kitts averaged 10.2 points on 52% shooting, added 7.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists, and hit 33.3% from deep. Her consistent play drew high praise from Staley during March Madness.
“This is the Chloe we projected when we started recruiting her,” Staley said. “She skipped her high school year and came to us halfway through the school year—probably thought it was the worst decision she made when she was going through it—but then the following year she was a lot better.
But her maturation process from everything—she’s grown in every aspect of her life. Mentally, physically, emotionally. We have grown-up conversations and I can’t believe it sometimes because of how she came in.”
With Ta’Niya Latson, last season’s national scoring leader, joining the roster from the transfer portal, Kitts will help spearhead South Carolina’s push to reclaim the national title from UConn next season.
