In a surprising and monumental move for the LSU women’s basketball program, former Tiger Grace Knox has announced her decision to decommit from LSU and commit to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. The highly touted player, who had once pledged her future to LSU, explained her decision in a candid and heartfelt statement, detailing the three main reasons behind her choice to make the switch to South Carolina.
Grace Knox’s decision to leave LSU and head to South Carolina was one that turned heads across the college basketball world, especially given LSU’s rising prominence under head coach Kim Mulkey. While LSU had become a powerhouse in women’s basketball, Knox felt that her future lay in a different direction. In a social media post and an exclusive interview with media outlets, Knox shared her reasoning in detail, shedding light on what motivated her to change her commitment.
First and foremost, Knox emphasized the unique opportunity for personal and athletic growth that South Carolina offered her. “The coaching staff at South Carolina really took the time to understand me as a player, and more importantly, as a person,” Knox said. “I felt a sense of commitment to my development, not just as an athlete, but as someone who wants to be the best version of themselves both on and off the court.”
South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley, has built a reputation for developing top-tier players who excel both on the court and in their communities. Under Staley’s leadership, the Gamecocks have become a fixture in women’s college basketball, constantly competing for championships and developing players who go on to have successful careers in the WNBA. Knox felt a connection with Staley’s coaching philosophy and the program’s commitment to holistic development. “I need a place where I feel not just challenged in my game, but supported in my growth as a person,” Knox explained. “South Carolina has that culture. It’s a place where I feel I can thrive in all aspects.”
The second reason Knox cited for her decision was the vision South Carolina has for the future of its program and her place within it. With the Gamecocks emerging as one of the premier women’s basketball programs in the country, Knox saw an opportunity to play a pivotal role in their future success. “When I visited South Carolina and met with Coach Staley and the staff, they made it clear that I would be a central piece to their plans moving forward,” Knox said. “That vision excites me, and it’s something I want to be a part of. I want to help elevate a program that has already achieved so much, but still has so much potential.”
At South Carolina, Knox sees a clear path to success, both in the short term and the long term. The Gamecocks, with their powerful mix of talent, culture, and commitment to excellence, provide Knox with the chance to showcase her talents on a national stage. With several key players leaving after this season, South Carolina will be looking to younger talents like Knox to step up and make an impact. “It’s an environment where I know I can contribute immediately and help the team achieve its goals,” she said. “That kind of opportunity is hard to pass up.”
Finally, Knox cited her desire to play for a program that shares her values and her vision for success. While LSU’s program under Kim Mulkey has certainly made great strides, Knox felt that the environment at South Carolina was more aligned with what she was looking for. “It’s not that I don’t love LSU, but I felt that South Carolina was a better fit for my playing style and my aspirations,” she explained. “The way they approach the game, the type of leadership they have, and the community they’ve built all align with what I want for my future.”
Knox’s decision to decommit from LSU and commit to South Carolina comes at a time when women’s college basketball is experiencing rapid growth and visibility. Players like Knox are seeing the opportunities to be part of programs that not only focus on winning but on nurturing the next generation of talent. South Carolina’s track record of developing strong, confident, and successful women both on and off the court was a major factor in her decision to make the switch. “This is more than basketball for me,” Knox said. “It’s about becoming the best version of myself, and I feel like South Carolina will help me do that.”
While her departure from LSU is a loss for the Tigers, it’s a win for the Gamecocks, who continue to solidify their standing as one of the top programs in the country. With Knox’s skill set, leadership, and potential, she is poised to make an immediate impact in the SEC and at a national level. Her decision to join South Carolina further strengthens the program’s position in the recruiting landscape, showing that the Gamecocks are not just contenders—they are a destination for top talent.
For LSU, the decision leaves a void, but the program under Coach Mulkey remains on the rise, with an eye on continuing to recruit elite talent. While Knox’s decommitment is a setback, LSU’s trajectory remains strong, and the program will continue to be a major player in the world of women’s college basketball.
As for Grace Knox, her commitment to South Carolina marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her basketball career. With a bright future ahead and the full support of the Gamecocks’ coaching staff, Knox is ready to embark on what promises to be a thrilling journey. The women’s basketball world will be watching closely as Knox brings her talents to South Carolina, and with her passion, work ethic, and leadership, it’s clear that she will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.