COLUMBIA, S.C. — The wait is over for South Carolina women’s basketball fans. The No. 2/2 Gamecocks officially tip off their 2025–26 season on Monday, Nov. 3, hosting Grand Canyon at Colonial Life Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m., with a pre-game championship celebration beginning at 6:40 p.m., honoring last season’s SEC titles and Final Four run.
🏀 Gameday Details
- Doors Open: 6:00 p.m. (5:30 p.m. for Fast Break Pass holders)
- Giveaway: Exclusive Gamecock fan item
- Location: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, S.C.
Team Capsules
South Carolina Gamecocks (0–0)
- Head Coach: Dawn Staley
- Top Returning Scorer: Joyce Edwards (12.7 PPG)
- Top Returning Rebounder: Joyce Edwards (5.0 RPG)
Grand Canyon Lopes (0–0)
- Head Coach: Winston Gandy
- Top Returning Scorer: Ale’jah Douglas (3.0 PPG)
- Top Returning Rebounder: Ale’jah Douglas (1.3 RPG)
Pregame Celebration
Before tipoff, the Gamecocks will celebrate their 2024–25 season success with a special ceremony. The team will unveil new SEC Championship and Final Four banners, and players will receive their commemorative rings. Familiar faces will join the moment — Grand Canyon head coach Winston Gandy and assistant Chloe Rice, both part of South Carolina’s 2024–25 staff, will take part in the festivities.
Gamecock Highlights and Season Outlook
South Carolina enters the season with momentum after a 91–82 exhibition win over No. 11 North Carolina in Atlanta, where the Gamecocks dominated the paint 54–34 and shot 50% from the field.
This year’s schedule is stacked — 11 ranked opponents, including six top-10 matchups and four marquee non-conference games.
Five Gamecocks earned a spot on national position award watch lists, one at every position — making South Carolina one of just three schools with that distinction.
Players to Watch
- Joyce Edwards: The sophomore standout looks ready to lead again, averaging 19.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in exhibitions.
- Raven Johnson: The team’s engine, Johnson averaged 4.0 assists and 3.5 steals, controlling tempo and defense alike.
- Ta’Niya Latson: Last year’s NCAA scoring leader made an instant impact, averaging 16.5 points and 3.0 assists, including 19 points against UNC.
- Madina Okot: The transfer center impressed with 14.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.
- Maryam Dauda & Maddy McDaniel: Key reserves who sparked energy and efficiency in the win over UNC.
Dawn Staley’s Opening Game Record
Head coach Dawn Staley holds a 15–2 record in season openers. The Gamecocks are 8–1 at home in those openers under her leadership. This marks South Carolina’s first home opener since 2022–23 after two straight years starting on neutral courts.
Exhibition Recap
In two exhibition victories, South Carolina shot a blistering 51.7% from the field, with six players above 50%. Edwards led in scoring, Okot controlled the boards, and Johnson anchored the team on both ends — a promising formula heading into the official start of another championship chase.
Quote to Remember:
“This is the start of something special again,” Staley said earlier this week. “We’ve got a group that understands what it takes — and they’re ready to go earn it all over again.”
