A season of milestones
The University of South Carolina women's basketball program has reached a historic milestone in the 2025‑26 campaign, marking its 30th appearance in the NCAA postseason after 52 seasons of play. Under longtime head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks have compiled a .668 career winning percentage, but the latest season pushes those numbers higher, setting new standards for scoring and efficiency.
Staley’s tenure has been defined by steady growth; she has guided the team to 14 NCAA Tournament berths and a single WNIT appearance over 18 seasons. Her 511 victories account for 46 percent of the program’s all‑time wins, while her 114 losses represent just 20 percent of the total. The recent surge includes a 15‑game stretch against opponents ranked in the top tier, highlighted by wins over the nation’s No. 1 team, Texas, and a victory against UConn.
Offensively, the 2025‑26 squad rewrote the record books. The team posted a program‑best 1,299 field goals made, scored 3,423 points, and averaged 85.6 points per game. Their three‑point shooting has been equally prolific, producing a 113‑game streak that ranks as the third‑longest in school history.
Key contributors have emerged from across the roster. Joyce Edwards topped the team with 768 points and logged 1,222 minutes, while Tessa Johnson sits seventh all‑time in three‑pointers made with 171 and holds the second‑best career three‑point percentage at 44.0 percent. Veterans such as Te‑Hina Paopao, alongside program legends Karen Middleton and Christi Timmons, have anchored the offense and perimeter shooting.
Looking ahead
Defensively, the Gamecocks have continued to improve, posting career‑best efficiency metrics that complement their high‑scoring output. The blend of disciplined defense and relentless offense has positioned South Carolina as a perennial contender in the SEC and on the national stage. Looking ahead, the momentum generated by this record‑setting season sets a promising foundation for future recruiting classes and non‑conference challenges. Coach Staley and her staff are already mapping out strategies to sustain the program’s upward trajectory.