South Carolina Women’s Basketball Rebuilds Roster After McDaniel Exit
The Gamecocks will enter the upcoming season without Maddy McDaniel, prompting a shift to a positionless style and new roles for key players.
Aug 11, 2026
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Tessa Johnson
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South Carolina Women’s Basketball Faces Point Guard Void After McDaniel Exit
The University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program confronts a significant void after Maddy McDaniel, the team’s sole true point guard, announced she will not return for the upcoming season. Coach Dawn Staley must navigate roster depth issues while exploring new talent and strategies.
Aug 8, 2026
Maddy McDaniel Leaves South Carolina Women’s Basketball
Maddy McDaniel announced she will not return to the Gamecocks after an indefinite leave, prompting coach Dawn Staley to praise her contributions and setting the stage for Tessa Johnson to assume point guard duties.
Aug 7, 2026
Maddy McDaniel Exits South Carolina Women’s Basketball Roster Amid Mental Health Focus
Maddy McDaniel, a key reserve for South Carolina women's basketball, announced her withdrawal to prioritize mental health, reducing the roster to 14 players and reshaping the team's guard dynamics.
Aug 7, 2026
Historic showdown looms as Oklahoma State meets South Carolina in opening‑season clash
The 2026‑27 women’s college basketball season is set to begin with a landmark matchup between Oklahoma State and South Carolina, featuring star scorers, returning All‑Americans and a slate of non‑conference games that will test both programs before conference play.
Aug 7, 2026
Maddy McDaniel Steps Away from South Carolina Women’s Basketball Amid Mental Health Focus
Guard Maddy McDaniel announced her withdrawal from the South Carolina women's basketball roster, citing mental health as the primary reason. Her exit creates a roster opening under recent NCAA eligibility changes, while Coach Dawn Staley underscores the program's commitment to player wellness.
Aug 7, 2026
Oklahoma State Women’s Basketball Eyes Upset Against South Carolina in Historic Matchup
The Cowgirls' new roster, bolstered by top transfers, will meet Dawn Staley's championship‑laden Gamecocks in a first‑ever meeting that promises to reshape the early season narrative.
Aug 7, 2026
Tessa Johnson Poised to Step Into Starting Role for South Carolina Women’s Basketball
Tessa Johnson's three-season preparation, high school championship pedigree, and recent SEC accolades have placed her at the forefront of South Carolina's point guard plans.
Aug 5, 2026
Maddy McDaniel Steps Away from South Carolina Women’s Basketball
Rising junior point guard Maddy McDaniel has taken a leave of absence to prioritize her mental health, prompting coach Dawn Staley to reaffirm the program's support and outline the roster challenges ahead of the 2026‑27 season opener in Paris.
Jul 26, 2026
NCAA’s New Eligibility Rule Redefines Women’s College Basketball
The NCAA's recent rule change grants athletes a five‑year window to play five seasons, eliminating redshirt and waiver provisions. This shift places fifth‑year seniors at the forefront of women's basketball, prompting programs like South Carolina to rethink roster construction as stars such as Tessa Johnson gain extra eligibility. With the WNBA expanding and offering higher salaries, the new pathway fuels speculation about increased draft entries and a cascade of player transfers.
Jun 25, 2026
South Carolina’s 2027 WNBA Draft Prospects: Watkins, Kitts, and Johnson in the Spotlight
With the NBA Draft underway, attention turns to the 2027 WNBA Draft, where three South Carolina players are generating buzz across major scouting reports.
Jun 24, 2026
South Carolina Women’s Basketball Prepares for Summer Camp Ahead of Paris Opener
The Gamecocks have returned to campus for eight weeks of drills, weight training and conditioning, with returning starters, injured players making comebacks and fresh talent arriving ahead of a November 2 matchup against Maryland in Paris.
Jun 22, 2026
South Carolina Women’s Basketball Guards: Offseason Analysis and Outlook
The Gamecocks' guard unit returns with a blend of shooting prowess and defensive skill, but each player faces distinct challenges as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
Jun 3, 2026
Jersey Numbers That Defined a Dynasty
A look at the South Carolina women’s basketball players who wore jersey numbers 00‑10, their achievements, and how they shaped the program’s legacy.
Jun 2, 2026
South Carolina Women’s Basketball Secures French Talent for 2026‑27 Roster
The Gamecocks' coaching staff brings in two French professionals whose role‑specific skills and international experience aim to blend with a balanced mix of homegrown and veteran players.
Jun 1, 2026
Dawn Staley Bolsters Gamecocks with French Professionals for 2026‑27 Campaign
Coach Dawn Staley adds two French veterans to her roster, aiming to blend international savvy with home‑grown talent.
Jun 1, 2026
UConn Women’s Basketball Looks to Rebound with Sarah Strong at the Helm
After a Final Four loss, UConn centers its 2026‑27 campaign on star forward Sarah Strong's recovery, a reshaped supporting cast, and a demanding non‑conference slate.
May 29, 2026
Dawn Staley’s 2027 Recruiting Push Secures Elite Talent
South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley is turning her attention to the 2027 recruiting cycle, hoping to build on the momentum of a standout 2026 class that landed the program the second‑best recruiting ranking nationally.
May 28, 2026
South Carolina Women’s Basketball Prepares for Expanded 2026-27 Roster
Coach Dawn Staley expects a 15‑player roster next season, a size not seen since the 2021‑22 championship run. She emphasizes role definition, matchup tactics and player development to maximize the team's strengths.
May 27, 2026
Global 3X3 Circuit Gives South Carolina Women’s Basketball Stars a Competitive Edge
With a two‑month break after the regular season, South Carolina’s women’s basketball standouts are trading the SEC for half‑court battles across Asia, Europe and South America, using 3X3 tournaments to sharpen conditioning and gain experience that translates back to the NCAA.
May 26, 2026
South Carolina Gamecocks Rebuild with Watkins’ Return Ahead of 2026‑27 Season
Ashlyn Watkins is back with the Gamecocks, joining a 15‑player squad that blends experienced backs with a reshaped frontcourt.
May 19, 2026
LSU Women’s Basketball Faces Significant Roster Turnover Ahead of Next Season
After a stable period under Coach Kim Mulkey, LSU's women's basketball program is set for a major overhaul as four contributors, including starting point guard Jada Richard, announce transfers to other schools.
May 11, 2026
LSU Women’s Basketball Faces Roster Upheaval After Transfer Portal Exodus
The Lady Tigers lost half of their roster after the 2025‑26 season, with point guard Jada Richard heading to Ole Miss and three other starters moving to new programs.
May 11, 2026