In a surprising announcement, South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley revealed that junior forward Ashlyn Watkins will no longer be playing for the team. While the specific reasons for Watkins’ departure have not been publicly disclosed, her journey with the Gamecocks has been marked by both significant achievements and challenges.
Watkins made headlines in April 2024 during the Final Four, recording a career-high 20 rebounds in South Carolina’s victory over NC State. This performance underscored her potential and importance to the team. citeturn0search2 However, in January 2025, Watkins suffered a season-ending ACL injury during a game against Mississippi State. Coach Staley expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt, stating, “I have no doubt that everyone will step up and give a little bit more.” citeturn0search5
Earlier in her tenure with the Gamecocks, Watkins faced legal challenges in August 2024 when she was arrested on charges of assault, battery, and kidnapping. These charges were later dismissed, allowing Watkins to return to practice. Coach Staley addressed the situation, emphasizing the difficulty of such experiences for young individuals and noting that similar incidents occur on many campuses. citeturn0search0
Given these events, Watkins’ departure from the team comes as a significant development. The Gamecocks will now look to other players to fill the void left by Watkins, as they continue their pursuit of excellence in the upcoming season.
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