South Carolina women’s basketball locked in its second commitment for the 2026 class on Monday night, landing standout forward Kaeli Wynn from California — a move that could have big implications for Dawn Staley’s recruiting reach and the Gamecocks’ future roster.
Breaking into California Basketball
By securing Wynn’s commitment, South Carolina may have officially broken into the powerhouse California hoops scene — an area that had remained untapped for the Gamecocks in high school recruiting.
While South Carolina has found success in the Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, and Texas, the Gamecocks had never previously signed a high school recruit from California. The only two Californians to ever play for South Carolina — Destiny Littleton and Te-Hina Paopao — were both transfers.
A major factor in this breakthrough could be assistant coach Wendale Farrow, who spent much of his professional career on the West Coast. Staley brought him onto her staff in part because of his deep ties to California basketball. Farrow also reportedly has a strong connection with elite guard Jerzy Robinson, one of South Carolina’s top remaining 2026 targets.
Wynn visited Columbia alongside Robinson during Robinson’s official visit — a pairing that could pay off later. As one insider put it, “Getting Wynn could be the key to landing Robinson.”
Dawn Staley Proves Her Recruiting Power
For anyone questioning whether Dawn Staley still has recruiting pull, Wynn’s commitment sends a loud answer.
While rumors had circulated about Staley’s recruiting momentum slowing, Wynn’s decision proves otherwise. The 5-star forward — ranked among the nation’s top 25 prospects — chose South Carolina over Stanford, despite the long distance from her Los Angeles home.
Wynn explained that she was drawn to Staley’s leadership, the program’s championship culture, and South Carolina’s track record of producing WNBA talent. Her decision reinforces what recruits have said for years: Staley’s message still resonates on a national level.
How the 2026 Class is Shaping Up
Wynn joins 6-foot-4 forward/post Kelsi Andrews, who committed to the Gamecocks in early October, forming a strong frontcourt duo. Wynn brings versatility as a forward/wing, while Andrews provides size and interior presence.
If South Carolina can add a guard to complement the pair, it would give Staley a complete recruiting class — covering all three levels of the court.
While a new point guard would be a nice addition, the Gamecocks are already in a good spot at that position with Maddy McDaniel locked in for at least two more seasons.
The program’s focus may instead shift toward securing another frontcourt player, especially with Andrews’ past injury concerns. But with potential fifth-year returns from Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins, South Carolina’s future post depth might already be stronger than any recruit still available.
In short, Kaeli Wynn’s commitment is more than just another five-star signing — it’s a statement that Dawn Staley and South Carolina’s national recruiting reach are as powerful as ever.
