The gold standard for South Carolina women’s basketball is almost unreachably high. Coach Dawn Staley has built the Gamecocks into a lasting powerhouse, where anything less than a national title leads to widespread disappointment.

This year’s squad faced the daunting task of following an undefeated season in 2023-24. While they achieved a solid 27-3 record and claimed the SEC Tournament, it became evident that they were not as formidable as their predecessors. Their journey to the title game revealed several challenges, with teams like Indiana, Maryland, and Duke testing their limits.

However, despite their challenges, the Gamecocks pressed on to the championship game in Tampa, only to be overpowered by a relentless UConn offense. Following their significant loss, questions arose for South Carolina, particularly as UConn seems to be reclaiming its elite status in women’s college basketball.

Dawn Staley remarked, “Our kids gave their all. When you fully understand why you lost, and reflect on previous experiences, it becomes more digestible. We were bested by a truly remarkable basketball team. They dominated us, while still leaving us room to learn.”

Identifying a Go-To Scorer
One of the major aspects affecting South Carolina’s success was the absence of a reliable offensive leader. Historically reliant on players like A’ja Wilson and Zia Cooke, this year’s lineup lacked a figure to steady the offense in crucial moments when needed most. In stark contrast, UConn excelled with multiple scoring options, all of whom outscored South Carolina’s leading player on the championship day.

Statistically, South Carolina’s approach revolved around team collaboration, a strategy that yielded success with six players averaging over eight points, yet none exceeding 12.7. This collective effort, rather than a singular superb scorer, created issues in high-stakes moments that UConn took full advantage of.

As the 2025-26 season approaches, Staley must find the reliable scorer the team has been missing. The growth of MiLaysia Fulwiley into a consistent contributor could empower the Gamecocks, while the leadership of Joyce Edwards may also play a crucial role. The efforts of collective improvement will be essential for the team’s success against UConn’s escalating dominance. While there’s no urgency for alarm in Columbia, the challenge remains to enhance offensive output and regain the championship title.

South Carolina, led by the esteemed Staley, should be considered a strong contender once again. Learning from this year’s crucial lessons can significantly influence their journey in reclaiming their standing in 2026.