By the time Chloe Kitts was hoisting the NCAA championship trophy with South Carolina this April, she had already made the most difficult decision of her young basketball career: to leave Columbia and start anew in Durham.
It was a move that stunned fans across the women’s college basketball landscape. Kitts, a 6-foot-2 forward known for her smooth footwork, versatile scoring, and high basketball IQ, had just played a key role in helping the Gamecocks complete a perfect season under head coach Dawn Staley. As a sophomore, she became a reliable starter, growing into a valuable contributor on both ends of the floor. Yet just days after the title celebration ended, news broke that Kitts had entered the transfer portal.
Her destination? Duke University.
Now, speaking publicly for the first time since committing to Kara Lawson’s Blue Devils, Kitts is opening up about why she made the decision—and why she believes her next chapter at Duke is the culmination of a long-held dream.
“It was hard. I love Coach Staley and everything South Carolina did for me,” Kitts said in an exclusive interview. “But in my heart, I knew I needed something different. Duke just felt like a dream scenario—for basketball, academics, and life beyond the court.”
A Championship Experience That Changed Her
The journey to this crossroads didn’t happen overnight.
Kitts arrived at South Carolina in January 2023, joining midway through her high school senior season and immediately entering one of the most competitive and talented programs in the country. While she saw limited minutes in her first semester, she immersed herself in the Gamecock culture and quickly earned the respect of her teammates and coaches.
In the 2023–24 season, Kitts emerged as a key piece in Staley’s rotation. She started 27 of 38 games, averaging 6.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in just under 20 minutes per game. Her ability to defend multiple positions and contribute in transition made her a valuable asset as the Gamecocks powered through the SEC and dominated the NCAA Tournament.
“It was an incredible season,” Kitts said. “To be part of a team that went undefeated and won the national title—it’s something I’ll cherish forever. I learned so much from my teammates, from Coach Staley, from every moment.”
But beneath the surface, Kitts admitted, there was a growing sense that her individual development might benefit from a different environment.
“I just started thinking about where I saw myself growing the most,” she said. “I wanted to be in a place where I could take on more responsibility, grow my leadership, and expand my game.”
The Pull of Duke and Kara Lawson’s Vision
The decision to transfer didn’t come easily. Kitts spent weeks praying, talking with family, and carefully evaluating her options. The moment Duke entered the conversation, something clicked.
“I’ve always admired Duke,” Kitts explained. “It’s one of those places that just feels special. The combination of world-class academics, the basketball tradition, and the people—it really stood out to me.”
Duke head coach Kara Lawson, herself a former WNBA guard and Olympic gold medalist, had been following Kitts for years. When the opportunity arose, Lawson and her staff made a compelling pitch: they weren’t just offering a roster spot—they were offering a platform for transformation.
“Coach Lawson told me, ‘I see you as someone who can lead here, who can grow into the player you’re meant to be,’” Kitts recalled. “She didn’t sugarcoat anything. She challenged me. And that’s what I was looking for.”
Lawson, entering her fifth season at Duke, has slowly built a culture of toughness, discipline, and empowerment. Her teams are known for their defense and poise, but she’s also placed a heavy emphasis on development—turning raw potential into polished excellence.
“Chloe is a player who’s just scratching the surface,” Lawson said in a statement following Kitts’ commitment. “She brings championship experience, versatility, and a hunger to grow. She’s going to make a huge impact on and off the court.”
A Chance to Lead, Not Just Compete
One of the major factors in Kitts’ decision was the opportunity to take on a larger role at Duke.
At South Carolina, Kitts played alongside a loaded frontcourt that included Kamilla Cardoso, Ashlyn Watkins, and freshman phenom MiLaysia Fulwiley. While she carved out a role, she was often one of many talented forwards fighting for touches.
At Duke, she steps into a situation where her skill set fills an immediate need. With the graduation of leading scorer Celeste Taylor and the departure of post presence Kennedy Brown, the Blue Devils were in search of a dynamic forward who could anchor both ends of the floor.
Kitts sees this as a chance to evolve—not just as a scorer or rebounder, but as a vocal leader.
“I want to be someone who sets the tone,” she said. “I want to be held accountable and help hold others accountable. I’ve learned from some of the best at South Carolina. Now it’s time to take what I’ve learned and bring it to this team.”
She’s already begun building relationships with her new teammates and is planning to enroll for summer classes to start workouts as soon as possible.
Academic Dreams and Long-Term Vision
The basketball appeal of Duke was obvious, but academics played an equally important role in Kitts’ decision.
“I’ve always taken school seriously,” she said. “And when you think about the value of a Duke degree, it’s incredible. I want to challenge myself in the classroom the same way I challenge myself on the court.”
Kitts has long been interested in sports medicine and psychology—fields she plans to explore further while at Duke. She’s also excited about participating in some of the school’s leadership development programs, which Lawson has integrated into her basketball philosophy.
“Coach Lawson talks a lot about developing the whole person,” Kitts said. “She wants us to leave Duke ready for whatever comes next—whether that’s the WNBA, coaching, business, or something totally different. That really resonated with me.”
Reactions From the Basketball World
As expected, Kitts’ transfer sent shockwaves through the women’s basketball community.
Some South Carolina fans expressed disappointment, especially after such a storybook season. But many others—including her former teammates—shared messages of support.
“She’s going to kill it at Duke,” Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson posted on Instagram. “Love you always, sis.”
Coach Staley also took the high road.
“Chloe gave us everything she had,” Staley said in a press conference. “We support her decision and wish her nothing but the best at Duke. She’s a terrific young woman, and I know she’ll do great things.”
On the Duke side, excitement is high. The Blue Devils narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament this past season but now appear poised to return to national relevance with Kitts leading the way.
“She’s a program-changer,” one ACC assistant coach said anonymously. “If she reaches her full potential under Kara Lawson, look out.”
Looking Ahead to 2024–25
The addition of Chloe Kitts gives Duke a major boost heading into the 2024–25 season.
With a solid returning core that includes guards Reigan Richardson and Taina Mair, as well as incoming recruits like sharpshooter Kylie Marshall, Duke suddenly looks like a legitimate contender in the ACC.
Kitts is expected to be a focal point—both in Lawson’s defensive schemes and in the half-court offense, where her midrange jumper, court vision, and passing ability could unlock new dimensions.
But she’s not looking too far ahead.
“I just want to get in the gym, earn my spot, and help this team get better every day,” Kitts said. “There’s no shortcuts. I’m excited to work.”
Final Thoughts: More Than a Transfer
For Chloe Kitts, transferring to Duke is more than just a basketball decision—it’s a personal evolution.
It’s about growth. It’s about chasing new challenges. It’s about balancing ambition with authenticity.
And it’s about staying true to the dreams she had long before she ever wore a championship ring.
“I’ll always be grateful for South Carolina and what we accomplished,” she said. “But this next step—it just feels right. I believe in what Duke is building. I believe in Coach Lawson. And I believe in myself.”aphic to go along with it!