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Dawn Staley enters recruiting war for elite guard as LSU heats up pressure

Dawn Staley just offered 2027 women's basketball standout Sydney Savoury, but LSU's Kim Mulkey is already making moves for the prospect. Is this the next big recruiting battle in women's college basketball?
ByLauren Beasley|
Mar 30, 2019; Greensboro, NC, USA; Baylor Lady Bears head coach Kim Mulkey and South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley both yell to their teams during the second half in the semifinals of the Greensboro regional in the women's 2019 NCAA Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Mar 30, 2019; Greensboro, NC, USA; Baylor Lady Bears head coach Kim Mulkey and South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley both yell to their teams during the second half in the semifinals of the Greensboro regional in the women's 2019 NCAA Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

South Carolina women's basketball has found itself in another heated battle, this time on the recruiting trail, with a very familiar opponent. Head coach Dawn Staley and LSU's Kim Mulkey have set their sights on the same elite prospect, continuing a growing trend between the two powerhouse programs.

Staley's dynasty in Columbia remains the standard for women's college basketball, setting the bar for excellence and relentless dedication both on the court and off the court. The coach-turned-author is currently working overtime on the recruitment trail. While the 2026 class is heating up Staley has already made moves to secure a major piece of the 2027 puzzle.

Enter Sydney Savoury. The 5-foot-11 scoring machine out of Belleville, Michigan is quickly becoming one of the most sought after players in the country. After a breakout season in her sophomore year where she averaged 27.7 points, seven rebounds, and shot 60% from the field, Savoury was named Gatorade Player of the Year in Michigan. She also dominated on the Nike EYBL circuit over the spring, earning Offensive MVP honors after putting up 25.6 points per game.

So, it comes as no surprise that powerhouse programs like Louisville, UCLA, and Syracuse have extended offers. The Kentucky Wildcats were the first SEC school to make a serious push, hosting Savoury just prior to the Nike EYBL Session 3, leaving a lasting impression. But just as Kentucky's momentum started to build, South Carolina picked up the phone. In a tweet from the young prospect, Savoury posted that she had a great conversation with Dawn Staley and was blessed to receive an offer from the Gamecocks.

And of course, it did not take long for SEC rival Kim Mulkey and the LSU Tigers to try to one-up Staley and the Gamecocks. LSU coaching staff flew out to watch Savoury in action during travel ball, quicking following up with their own offer. And when both South Carolina and LSU zero in on the same player, it becomes personal.

Recruiting within the league isn't just about landing a top scorer, it's about staying on top in an ever-intensifying SEC women's basketball landscape. Mulkey has already pulled some top-tier talent out of South Carolina's backyard before, and neither coach is afraid to go head-to-head.

For now, the ball remains in Savoury's own court. With two full high school seasons still ahead of her, she has plenty of time to weigh her options with several programs.

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