Dawn Staley is orchestrating the next era of South Carolina womenโs basketball by targeting elite 2026 talent to reload her powerhouse program. After a remarkable 2024โ25 season that saw the Gamecocks finish as national runners-up with a 35โ4 record, Staley is already looking ahead to maintain her teamโs dominance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage .
Reloading for the Future
With several key players graduating, including standout center Kamilla Cardoso, Staley is focusing on replenishing her roster with top-tier prospects. The 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the most talented in recent memory, and South Carolina is positioning itself to secure commitments from some of the nationโs best.
One of the most notable additions is TaโNiya Latson, a prolific scorer who led the nation with an average of 25.2 points per game at Florida State. Latsonโs decision to transfer to South Carolina adds immediate scoring power to the Gamecocksโ lineup . Her presence will be pivotal as the team transitions into the 2025โ26 season.
A Legacy of Excellence
Under Staleyโs leadership, South Carolina has become a perennial powerhouse in womenโs college basketball. The program has secured three NCAA championships (2017, 2022, and 2024) and consistently competes at the highest level. Staleyโs ability to recruit and develop elite talent has been instrumental in building a program that attracts top prospects year after year.
As the 2025โ26 season approaches, the Gamecocks are poised to continue their legacy of excellence. With a blend of experienced transfers like Latson and a strong incoming class, South Carolina is setting the stage for another championship run. Dawn Staleyโs commitment to excellence ensures that the Gamecocks will remain a formidable force in womenโs college basketball for years to come.
