One of Dawn Staley’s standout players just made a major announcement that’s set to shake up the Gamecocks roster once again. Junior forward Ashlyn Watkins revealed she will not be returning to the court for the 2025-2026 season. She shared the news in an emotional social media post:

South Carolina women's basketball forward Ashlyn Watkins will not play for the Gamecocks, coach Dawn Staley this upcoming season.

South Carolina women’s basketball forward Ashlyn Watkins is taking a year off from basketball and won’t play this season, she announced on social media Friday. In her statement she said she will “come back even stronger” in the 2026-27 season.