The South Carolina women's basketball team will be without senior forward Chloe Kitts, who suffered a torn ACL in her right knee resulting in her absence for the entire 2025-26 season. The injury, confirmed by the university and Kitts’ social media on Oct. 13, 2025, required her to undergo surgery.
"Chloe is irreplaceable for what she brings so tangibly and intangibly," head coach Dawn Staley said. "It's not like we're going to ask someone to be Chloe because that's impossible."
Kitts has been a pivotal player for the Gamecocks, starting every game for the past two seasons. During the 2024-25 season, she averaged 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, playing in all 38 games. Her performance earned her the MVP award at the 2025 SEC Tournament, where she accumulated 50 points and 23 rebounds over three games.
In the previous season, she contributed to South Carolina’s national championship team with averages of 9.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
With Kitts sidelined, the Gamecocks’ frontcourt depth is significantly affected. Sophomore forward Joyce Edwards is expected to step into a more prominent role, building upon her strong freshman season that included All-American honorable mention and international experience with Team USA.
Additionally, South Carolina may rely more heavily on its backcourt, featuring players such as senior guard Raven Johnson, senior guard Ta’Niya Latson and junior guard Tessa Johnson. Latson led all of the NCAA Division I women's basketball in scoring in the 2024-25 season.
In the Oct. 24 exhibition game, the Gamecocks showcased their depth and adaptability by defeating the Anderson Trojans 112-31 at Colonial Life Arena. The Gamecocks’ defense was particularly dominant, holding the Trojans to just two points in the second quarter and maintaining control throughout the game.
Edwards led the team with a 27-point performance, and transfer senior center Madina Okot also made a strong impression, contributing a double-double underscoring how the Gamecocks' balance and adaptability may help offset the loss of Kitts for the season.
The Gamecocks then travelled to Atlanta and defeated the No. 11 North Carolina 91-82 in its second exhibition game on Oct. 30. South Carolina shot 50% from the field and outscored the Tar Heels 54-34 in the paint, showing how South Carolina’s interior presence and depth remain formidable even without Kitts.
In the season-opener at home against the Grand Canyon Antelopes, South Carolina rolled to a 94-54 victory posting a double digit margin in the paint and shooting 60% from the field. Senior forward Maryam Dauda grabbed two defensive rebounds and two offensive rebounds in 10 minutes of play. Though her playing time is limited early on, she's likely to take on a more important role as the Gamecocks adjust to Kitts' absence.
"I feel like the work I put in over the summer and the confidence that my teammates pour in me," Dauda said. "I just feel like I just have to trust myself, and that's what I do every day."
The timing of Kitts’ injury raises questions about her professional prospects. She was projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. However, ACL injuries often require a recovery period of at least a year, potentially delaying her entry into the professional league.
Kitts does not have another year of eligibility remaining at South Carolina, as she graduated from high school early and joined the Gamecocks for the 2022-23 season. While a medical redshirt could be an option, it’s unclear whether she would pursue this route, as it would extend her collegiate career and delay a potential pro career.
What’s next?
The No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team will remain in Columbia to face the Bowling Green Falcons in Colonial Life Arena on Nov. 7. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the game will be streamed on SEC Network.