The 2025 WNBA Draft marked a pivotal moment for the South Carolina Gamecocks, showcasing the continued strength of their women’s basketball program. As the draft unfolded, several key players from South Carolina’s dominant roster were selected to continue their careers at the next level, representing both their talents and the legacy of the Gamecocks under head coach Dawn Staley. Here’s a breakdown of the Gamecocks who heard their names called on draft night, where they were selected, and the impact they are expected to have in the WNBA.
While the 2025 draft saw a few familiar faces leave early, one of the standout trends was the dominance of South Carolina’s defense and winning mentality, factors that made their players highly attractive to WNBA teams. The Gamecocks have consistently produced elite players, and the 2025 draft further solidified that reputation.
The first Gamecock off the board was Zia Cooke, who was drafted by the Chicago Sky with the 6th overall pick. Cooke’s selection was no surprise to those who followed her incredible career at South Carolina. As a dynamic scorer and leader, Cooke’s ability to take over games when needed was a hallmark of her time in Columbia. Throughout her career, she demonstrated a rare combination of speed, shooting, and tenacity, particularly in clutch moments. Her experience in high-pressure situations, having helped lead the Gamecocks to multiple NCAA tournaments and championship appearances, will serve her well as she transitions to professional basketball.
For the Chicago Sky, Cooke represents an infusion of energy and scoring ability in a backcourt that needs an offensive spark. With her natural scoring instincts, particularly from long range, Cooke is expected to make an immediate impact in Chicago. The Sky are looking to build around their young talent, and Cooke fits seamlessly into their long-term vision as a potential leader for the future.
The Indiana Fever made a strong move by selecting Bree Hall with the 8th overall pick. Hall, a versatile forward with excellent defensive skills, was another key piece of South Carolina’s success in recent years. Known for her ability to guard multiple positions, Hall brings a level of versatility to the Fever that few can match. While her offensive game has grown steadily over the years, it is her defensive prowess and ability to impact the game without scoring that make her such an enticing pick.
Hall’s leadership and experience in winning programs, including two national championships with the Gamecocks, are invaluable assets. The Fever have been rebuilding their roster in recent seasons, and Hall’s presence should accelerate that process. Her versatility, along with her defensive ability, provides a strong foundation for the Fever as they aim to compete at a higher level in the coming seasons.
In a slightly surprising move, Sania Feagin, another key contributor to South Carolina’s success, was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks at the 14th overall pick. Feagin, known for her strong rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, brings a much-needed physical presence to Los Angeles’ frontcourt. Standing at 6’5″, Feagin’s size and strength allow her to control the paint, and her defense will be a crucial part of the Sparks’ strategy moving forward.
Feagin’s potential to develop as an offensive threat is also high, with her ability to finish in the post and provide solid screens. As a member of two national championship teams, Feagin brings with her a mentality of success, which will help as the Sparks look to reassert themselves as championship contenders in the coming years.
While these were the main South Carolina players selected in the draft, it’s worth noting the overall impact that the Gamecocks have had on the 2025 class. South Carolina’s depth and talent over the past several seasons have made it one of the most successful programs in college basketball, and that success has translated directly into the WNBA draft. With multiple national championship appearances and an emphasis on both defense and offense, the Gamecocks have set the standard for what it means to develop players who are ready for the professional stage.
Dawn Staley’s program has become a pipeline for WNBA talent, and this draft class is just the latest example of how South Carolina continues to produce top-tier players. The program’s emphasis on player development, toughness, and a team-first mentality has not only led to success at the collegiate level but also laid the groundwork for future WNBA stars.
For the drafted players, their journey is just beginning. Zia Cooke, Bree Hall, and Sania Feagin have already proven themselves at the highest level of college basketball, and now the WNBA will offer a new challenge—one they are well-prepared for. Each player brings unique skills to their respective teams, and as the 2025 season progresses, it will be exciting to see how they adjust to the speed and intensity of professional basketball.
For the South Carolina Gamecocks, the 2025 WNBA Draft is another feather in the cap of an already storied program. As more players from Staley’s squad make the jump to the WNBA, the program’s reputation for developing top-tier talent only grows. The future is incredibly bright for these Gamecocks as they embark on professional careers that could one day see them rise to the top of the WNBA.
In sum, the 2025 WNBA Draft was another testament to the success and impact of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program. With Cooke, Hall, and Feagin all earning spots in the WNBA, the Gamecocks’ legacy continues to grow, and they are poised to remain a major influence on the future of women’s professional basketball. These players are not just drafting numbers—they represent the ongoing excellence of a program that has shaped the game in ways that will resonate for years to come.