South Carolina's women's basketball program has kicked off its summer workout regimen, a routine that typically spans eight weeks once summer classes begin. The team shared a photo on social media with the caption "We are soooooooo back!", signaling the return of players to the court.
Visa Hurdles Delay Freshman Arrival
Among those still missing is incoming freshman Justine Loubens, a 6‑foot‑1 guard from France who committed to the Gamecocks on April 29. As of July 2, the university's spokesperson confirmed that her visa has not yet been approved, leaving her arrival date uncertain.
Loubens brings a modest résumé from La Roche Vendée Basket Club, where she averaged 6.5 points and 2.5 rebounds over 24 games. Her addition would bring depth to a roster that already features returning standouts and a highly ranked recruiting class.
The delay is not isolated. Earlier in the year, fellow French recruit Alicia Tournebize navigated a comparable process, finally stepping onto campus in Columbia on January 1 after committing on December 22, 2025. Tournebize's experience illustrates how administrative clearance can shape a player's integration timeline.
Other roster members have also been absent from the early sessions. Joyce Edwards and Agot Makeer have been occupied with commitments to USA Basketball and Canada’s Senior Women’s National Team, respectively, while Tournebize missed a workout to attend her mother's induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Looking Ahead
Coach Dawn Staley has emphasized that the team's summer workouts are a developmental phase, and the eventual arrival of Loubens will be welcomed when the paperwork is finalized. Until then, the Gamecocks continue to blend returning veterans with newcomers, preparing for the upcoming season with a flexible schedule that accommodates national team duties and personal obligations.