Kelsi Andrews stepped onto the University of South Carolina campus on June 16, marking the start of her freshman season with the Gamecocks women’s basketball team. Just a day earlier she had stood on the podium in Irapuato, Mexico, as a member of the U.S. National Team that captured the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup, adding a gold medal to her résumé.
Coach Dawn Staley, who has guided the program to multiple Final Fours, praised Andrews for her size, skill, basketball IQ, defensive presence and resilience, noting that the forward’s versatility could reshape the team’s approach. Andrews arrives ranked No. 30 in espnW’s Class of 2026 top 100, a testament to her potential despite a torn meniscus sustained in October that briefly dented her ranking.
A Versatile Threat in the Paint
Andrews’ high school career at IMG Academy culminated in a national championship in April 2025 and a dominant run in the AmeriCup, where she averaged 6.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. In the semifinal against Venezuela she posted a 13‑point, 10‑rebound double‑double, a performance that ESPN’s Shane Laflin described as a "formidable post presence."
The addition of Andrews bolsters a roster that already features stars such as A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston, and her arrival has generated buzz among analysts who see her as a player capable of bridging college and professional styles. IMG head coach Frank Oliver Jr. called the partnership a "perfect fit," comparing Andrews’ versatility to three‑time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić.