A Legacy in Garnet and White
When the Gamecocks first laced up Under Armour gear in 2009, the partnership promised stability and a chance to showcase South Carolina's rising prominence on the national stage. Seventeen years later, the program will trade the familiar swoosh for the iconic Nike tick on July 1, marking the end of an era that produced some of the most recognizable uniforms in collegiate women's basketball.
The first design to watch, the Classic White Design from 2009 through 2013, featured the word "South" arched over the player numbers and "Carolina" laid straight across the chest. Its clean, understated aesthetic captured the essence of the team's early successes and became a staple in the wardrobe of stars like A'ja Wilson and Maddy McDaniel.
A few seasons later, the White Tail Feather Side Panels emerged, debuting just before the Gamecocks claimed their first SEC championship. The side panels, adorned with subtle feather motifs, added a dynamic visual cue that resonated with fans and players alike, reinforcing the team's growing identity within the conference.
Perhaps the most distinctive of the lot, the Garnet Double-Decker, introduced in 2023 and set to run through 2026, layered a double‑decked "South Carolina" across the front of the jersey, while the side panels displayed "USC" and "WBB" in bold lettering. Available in white, black, and garnet, the design celebrated the program's vibrant spirit and was worn sparingly, making each appearance a noteworthy event.
The Cocky Experiment
An alternate "Cocky" uniform attempted to inject a playful element into the lineup, featuring a Block C on the front and swooping side panels. However, its color palette strayed from the school's traditional garnet and black, leading the editorial staff to exclude it from the list of the three best Under Armour designs.
With Nike now set to take over, the question on everyone's mind is how the new apparel will blend the program's storied past with its future ambitions. For now, the memories of those three standout Under Armour uniforms linger, each telling a chapter of a journey that began in 2009 and culminates with a historic uniform change on July 1.