South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley announced the commitment of French prospect Justine Loubens to the 2026 roster, a move that deepens the program’s international footprint.
A French Connection Takes Shape
Loubens, a native of L’Isle‑Jourdain in southern France, joins the Gamecocks after a stint with La Roche Vendee, where she averaged 6.5 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 63.9% from the field in 24 games. She is expected to arrive as a sharp‑shooting rotational piece, adding perimeter firepower to a squad already rich in talent.
Her arrival is bolstered by the presence of fellow French guard Alicia Tournebize, who will also be on campus, and by a visit from French National Team head coach Jean‑Aimé Toupane that helped seal the recruitment.
The 2026 class, ranked No. 2 nationally, features three five‑star prospects and is anchored by Loubens’s four‑star rating from ESPN analyst Shane Laflin, underscoring the excitement surrounding the incoming group.
What It Means for the Gamecocks
Staley emphasized that Loubens’s ability to stretch the floor and contribute off the bench will complement the team’s existing dynamics, offering depth and a new dimension as the program looks to maintain its elite status.