Chloe Kitts out for 2025-26 season, expected to have surgery this week

South Carolina women’s basketball standout Chloe Kitts will miss the 2025-26 season after suffering a torn ACL. Head coach Dawn Staley and Gamecock Nation rally behind her recovery.
Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA;  South Carolina Gamecocks forward Chloe Kitts (21) controls the ball against the Texas Longhorns during the third quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Chloe Kitts (21) controls the ball against the Texas Longhorns during the third quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

South Carolina basketball senior Chloe Kitts will miss the entire 2025-26 season after being diagnosed with a torn ACL in her right knee, the program announced Sunday. Kitts is expected to undergo surgery this week.

Kitts, a key starter on back-to-back national championship runs, averaged 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds last season while earning All-American honorable mention honors. She was named MVP of both the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Birmingham 2 Regional, showcasing her dominance in postseason play and her growth under head coach Dawn Staley.

“We hate this first for Chloe, who has worked incredibly hard to become the best version of herself on the court this season,” Dawn Staley said in the program’s release. “Her teammates are capable of stepping up, and I know her competitive fire and tenacity will be felt from the sidelines as she pours what she can into them to ensure our team’s success.”

Kitts' absence will be felt deeply, but her resilience and leadership remain cornerstones of Staley's program. She has long been admired by fans and teammates alike for her relentless work ethic, quiet strength,and unwavering positivity.

South Carolina will open the upcoming season with an exhibition game against Anderson on Friday, October 24, at Colonial Life Arena.

Sending love and prayers to one of Gamecock Nation's favorites as she begins her road to recovery. Knowing Chloe, she will recover stronger, hungrier, and ready to write her next chapter.

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