JUST ANNOUNCED: Dawn Staley Just Revealed South Carolina’s NEW Roster – FULL Details Inside!

The moment South Carolina women’s basketball fans have been waiting for is finally here—head coach Dawn Staley has officially unveiled the Gamecocks’ new roster, and it’s everything we hoped for and more. After another dominant season that solidified the program as the gold standard in college basketball, Staley has reloaded with a mix of returning superstars, elite freshmen, and impact transfers that will have the rest of the sport on notice. The full details are in, and we’re breaking down every major takeaway from today’s massive announcement.

First, the cornerstone of this team remains intact: **Aliyah Boston is back**. The reigning National Player of the Year and defensive anchor of the Gamecocks could have been the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft, but she’s returning for one more season to chase another championship. Her presence alone makes South Carolina the preseason favorite, but the supporting cast around her is even scarier than last year. Joining her in the frontcourt is **Kamilla Cardoso**, the 6’7″ transfer from Syracuse who gives Staley the most intimidating interior duo in the country. Cardoso, a former ACC Defensive Player of the Year, will allow Boston to play more at the 4, creating matchup nightmares for every opponent.

The backcourt just got a major upgrade with the addition of **Raven Johnson**, the No. 1 point guard in the 2021 class who redshirted last season due to injury. Insiders say she’s fully healthy and has been turning heads in offseason workouts with her playmaking and defensive intensity. She’ll team up with **Zia Cooke**, who returns for her senior year after flirting with the WNBA, to form the most dynamic backcourt in the SEC. But the real X-factor? **Bree Hall**, the sophomore guard who showed flashes of stardom last season, has reportedly made a huge leap and could be the breakout player of the year.

Speaking of breakout candidates, keep an eye on **Sania Rivers**, the former five-star recruit who transferred in from North Carolina. Rivers, a versatile 6’1″ wing, gives Staley another elite defender and playmaker who can play multiple positions. Her addition allows the Gamecocks to go with ultra-athletic lineups that can switch everything defensively while pushing the tempo offensively.

The freshman class is just as impressive. **Ashlyn Watkins**, the No. 3 overall recruit in the 2022 class, is an explosive 6’3″ forward who can play above the rim and stretch the floor. She’s joined by **Talaysia Cooper**, a lightning-quick point guard who was the No. 1 player in South Carolina, giving the Gamecocks even more backcourt depth. But the sleeper of the group might be **Chloe Kitts**, a skilled 6’2″ forward who has drawn comparisons to a young A’ja Wilson with her ability to score inside and out.

One of the most underrated aspects of this roster is its depth. **Laeticia Amihere** returns as one of the most versatile players in the country—a 6’4″ forward who can guard all five positions and run the floor like a guard. **Victaria Saxton** is back for her super senior year, providing veteran leadership and elite rebounding. And don’t forget about **Brea Beal**, the lockdown defender who has improved her three-point shooting and could be in for a career year.

The biggest surprise on the roster? **Olivia Thompson**, the walk-on fan favorite, has earned a scholarship after her clutch performances last season. Staley has always valued culture players, and Thompson’s work ethic and leadership have made her a key part of this team’s identity.

So what does this all mean for the upcoming season? With this roster, South Carolina isn’t just the team to beat—they’re a potential juggernaut. Staley has built a squad that can dominate in half-court sets with Boston and Cardoso, run in transition with Cooke and Johnson, and switch defensively to shut down any offense. The balance of size, skill, and athleticism is unmatched, and the depth ensures that the Gamecocks can withstand injuries or foul trouble better than any team in the country.

The schedule hasn’t been released yet, but we already know South Carolina will face UConn, Stanford, and other elite programs in non-conference play. With this roster, they’ll be favored in every game, and the target on their back has never been bigger. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from the Dawn Staley era, it’s that the Gamecocks thrive under pressure.

One thing is certain: The rest of women’s college basketball should be on high alert. This South Carolina roster is stacked, hungry, and ready to bring another championship to Columbia. The dynasty isn’t just continuing—it’s reaching new heights.