South Carolina Women's Basketball to Host Outdoor Exhibition Game

Head coach Dawn Staley, now in her 19th season with the Gamecocks and 27th overall, has transformed the program into a national contender. Under her leadership, South Carolina has achieved nine 30-win seasons since 2015-16, including five straight seasons with at least 35 wins. The team has also reached six consecutive NCAA Final Fours, winning two National Championships and making two additional championship game appearances.

Since the 2023-24 season, South Carolina has faced a Division I opponent in each exhibition game, achieving a 3-0 record against teams such as North Carolina, Memphis, and Rutgers. During Staley's tenure, the Gamecocks are undefeated at 18-0 in exhibition games against collegiate teams.

The Gamecocks are known for their challenging schedule, which includes a 16-game non-conference slate featuring three conference champions, six teams ranked in last season's top 20, and three teams that participated in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Returning to the team are six letterwinners from last season, including starters Joyce Edwards and Tessa Johnson, both of whom received All-SEC honors in 2025-26. Additionally, Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins, who missed last season due to injuries, are also back. With three key departures entering the WNBA Draft, the Gamecocks retain 52.2% of their scoring and 51.0% of their rebounding from last year.

This season, the roster has welcomed seven newcomers: transfers Jordan Lee and Brooke Quarles-Daniels, and five freshmen including top recruits Oliviyah Edwards and Jerzy Robinson. Edwards enters her junior year as the program’s top returning scorer (19.2 points) and rebounder (6.8 rebounds) after setting a single-season record with 728 points last year.

Tessa Johnson, a senior and two-time Final Four All-Tournament Team selection, returns after leading the nation with a 43.0% shooting percentage from three-point range last season.

In their historical matchups, South Carolina leads the all-time series against College of Charleston 17-9, remaining unbeaten (4-0) in the Staley era. The teams last faced each other on November 25, 2020. Coaches Staley and first-year head coach Amanda Butler of the College of Charleston have a history dating back to their time in the Atlantic 10, with Staley holding a 14-4 record in their coaching matchups.

This season’s rigorous schedule includes 14 games against teams that finished last season in the top 25 and nine against teams that reached the NCAA Sweet 16, underscoring Staley's commitment to preparing her team for postseason success.

Since winning their first SEC title in 2013-14, South Carolina has established itself as a national powerhouse, making six straight NCAA Final Fours, winning three national championships, and achieving numerous accolades including the longest active streak of AP Top-10 rankings.