South Carolina women’s basketball may be stacked with talent, sharp execution, and winning results, but the team’s toughest battle early in the 2025–26 season has been simple: staying healthy. Even with a rotating cast and constant lineup disruptions, the No. 3 Gamecocks have powered their way to a 9–1 record, including a dominant 106–42 victory over North Carolina Central on Sunday. That win came with only seven available players finishing the game — a stark contrast for a powerhouse program built on depth and interchangeable rotations.
A Team Held Together by Grit and Guts
The situation reached a new low against NC Central. South Carolina suited up just eight players to start the game, then lost Madina Okot to an in-game illness before halftime. With Tessa Johnson dealing with sickness and Agot Makeer still in concussion protocol, the Gamecocks were left with only seven players to close things out.
Those absences stack on top of the significant long-term injuries to Chloe Kitts (ACL) and Ashlyn Watkins, both lost for the season before South Carolina even tipped off its opener. What was already a small roster has turned into a nightly test of survival.
Dawn Staley isn’t dwelling on what’s missing. Her approach has been straightforward and uncompromising. “I only see what’s in front of us,” she said. “We had eight today. I only see eight. We got reduced to seven, I only see seven.” That mantra has become the backbone of the team’s identity: no excuses, only solutions.
Despite not yet having the full strength of its roster, the early signs are promising. This group is showing elite resilience, quick adjustment when adversity hits, and strong performance from new and returning players alike.
Extended Minutes, Elevated Performances
Florida State transfer TaNiya Latson — added to bring scoring stability — delivered her strongest outing of the season in Sunday’s blowout win. The senior guard exploded for 32 points, hit five threes, and played more than 35 minutes for the second consecutive game.
Freshman standout Joyce Edwards also continued her rise, finishing with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists — marking her fifth 20-point outing of the year. With Johnson sidelined, Adhel Tac earned her first career start, while freshman Ayla McDowell stepped into a larger role and made every minute count. McDowell played a personal-best 27 minutes, scored 16 points, and connected on five 3-pointers, giving South Carolina the floor spacing Staley demands.
McDowell emphasized the collective focus that has kept the Gamecocks moving forward. “Just continuing to work together it’s the main thing we always preach, also being disciplined all together,” she said. “Coach did tell us ‘It’s fun when we’re all playing together’ and that’s something we’re always working on.”
Short Roster, Strong Results
This season has forced South Carolina to adapt on the fly, rely heavily on whoever is available, and push its players into expanded roles. Yet the wins keep stacking up. A roster stretched thin has become a roster defined by toughness.
As the Gamecocks continue navigating injuries and unpredictable availability, one thing is certain — they’re still competing, still executing, and still winning.
