The South Carolina Gamecocks have long been a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, a program built on discipline, consistency, and the ever-present influence of head coach Dawn Staley. And now, as the dust begins to settle from another triumphant season, there is a noticeable shift happening—one that stretches from the depths of the transfer portal all the way to the bright lights of the WNBA Draft.
After completing a perfect 2024-25 season and winning another national championship, the Gamecocks aren’t just maintaining the standard—they’re evolving. The movement within the program over the past few weeks has been both inevitable and transformative. Between high-profile transfers, top-tier recruits, and South Carolina stars leaping to the next level, this is a program very much in motion. It’s a dance that few can keep pace with, yet Staley and her staff seem to glide through it with the same poise they’ve demonstrated on the court for over a decade.
The portal activity started almost as soon as the championship confetti hit the hardwood. That’s the nature of today’s game. Even when the final win is fresh, the future looms large. South Carolina saw a few players enter the portal—some seeking more playing time, others simply chasing a fresh start—but just as quickly, the Gamecocks started reloading.
Dawn Staley isn’t one to panic over roster turnover. She plans for it, adapts to it, and more often than not, finds a way to come out ahead. That’s exactly what’s happening now. South Carolina wasted no time reaching out to key targets in the portal, many of whom were already familiar with the Gamecocks’ brand of basketball and championship expectations. The program’s culture speaks for itself, and when you mix that with national titles, packed home games, and player development that regularly ends in professional contracts, the sales pitch writes itself.
On the flip side, South Carolina is also dealing with the joyous challenge of saying goodbye to some of its brightest stars—players who have decided to test their talents in the WNBA. The 2025 WNBA Draft was yet another reminder of the kind of talent South Carolina produces. When you have multiple players hearing their names called on draft night, it’s a testament to how well the program prepares its athletes, not just for college stardom, but for life after it.
At the center of the draft buzz was senior forward Kamilla Cardoso. Her journey from Brazil to Columbia, South Carolina, has been a remarkable one—filled with steady improvement, elite performances, and championship moments. Cardoso’s blend of size, touch, and defensive prowess made her a top prospect. When she was selected in the lottery, it was met with celebration not only by her new WNBA franchise but by the South Carolina faithful who had watched her grow into one of the most dominant bigs in the country.
But Cardoso wasn’t the only Gamecock to make the leap. Guard Te-Hina Paopao, known for her clutch shooting and floor leadership, also found herself taken in the draft. Her impact on South Carolina during her time with the program can’t be overstated. Coming in as a transfer, Paopao embraced the team-first mentality, stepped into big moments with confidence, and helped the Gamecocks maintain their edge on the perimeter.
The WNBA Draft also served as a culmination of Dawn Staley’s long-held philosophy: develop players into winners on and off the court. It’s not about one-and-done talent, though South Carolina has had its share of early exits. It’s about players buying in, getting better every year, and leaving the program as fully-formed pros. That’s the legacy being built, one that only grows stronger with every selection on draft night.
While the WNBA is welcoming some Gamecock greats, back on campus, the foundation is being rebuilt with a mixture of elite returners, incoming freshmen, and strategic additions from the portal. Staley has never been shy about blending youth with experience, and with her recruiting track record, it’s almost a given that the next big name is already in the gym, putting up shots and learning the system.
The incoming class for South Carolina is once again ranked among the best in the nation. These aren’t just raw athletes—they’re high-IQ players who chose the Gamecocks because of the culture, the competition, and the coaching. They’ve watched past players reach the WNBA, win championships, and walk away better than they arrived. Now, it’s their turn.
Perhaps one of the most exciting elements of this transition period is seeing how new leadership will emerge within the locker room. With veterans like Cardoso and Paopao gone, someone will have to step into the role of vocal leader. Someone will have to demand more during practice, push teammates through adversity, and hold the line when things get tough. That’s been a hallmark of South Carolina basketball under Staley: leadership from within.
Fans will likely see guard Raven Johnson take an even larger role. Johnson, known for her tenacity and playmaking ability, has already proven she can lead on the floor. Her voice will be essential in guiding a younger group through the rigors of SEC play and postseason pressure. The same goes for Sania Feagin and Ashlyn Watkins, two players who’ve grown into reliable contributors and now have the opportunity to become cornerstones.
There’s also intrigue around who Staley will bring in via the transfer portal. Already linked to several high-profile names, South Carolina is in prime position to land another immediate impact player. It’s a delicate balance, though—adding talent without disrupting the chemistry that has made the program special. But if anyone knows how to manage egos, roles, and expectations, it’s Staley.
This new era of college basketball, where rosters can shift dramatically in a single offseason, doesn’t faze South Carolina. It energizes them. The program doesn’t just react—it anticipates. That’s why the Gamecocks continue to contend, even as other top programs struggle to maintain consistency amid the chaos.
Still, change is never easy. Saying goodbye to beloved players, especially those who helped raise banners and break records, is emotional. The fans feel it. The coaches feel it. The players feel it. But there’s also a sense of pride. These athletes came through South Carolina and left better. They left ready. That’s all a coach can really ask for.
As the offseason rolls on, all eyes will remain on Columbia. The Gamecocks may have just finished one chapter, but the next one is already being written. From the buzz of new commitments to the anticipation of summer workouts, there’s a quiet intensity building around the program. It’s the kind of momentum that doesn’t just carry a team—it elevates it.
In the end, South Carolina basketball is about more than just winning. It’s about preparing women to be leaders, whether that’s on a WNBA court, in a business suit, or in communities that need their voice. The portal, the draft, the accolades—they’re all pieces of a larger story. And right now, that story continues to unfold with South Carolina very much at the center.
What happens next might not be clear to everyone, but one thing is for certain: the Gamecocks are on the move, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.