It appears that freshman guard Maddy McDaniel has decided to stay with the Gamecocks!! In a response tweet to Plies the rapper, who is an avid Dawn Staley and South Carolina Gamecocks fan, the parents of Maddy McDaniel said "Maddy is staying a Gamecock!!! Maddy is built for this!!!!! That’s my sweet girl!!!!"
Maddy is staying a Gamecock!!! Maddy is built for this!!!!! That’s my sweet girl!!!!
— Tameka and Jerry (@Mymouse1m) April 8, 2025
A McDonald's All-American and two-time MaxPreps Maryland Player of the Year, McDaniel came to the South Carolina program as the No. 12 recruit in the Class of 2024. She earned second-team MaxPreps All-American honors and was named the 2023 Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Player of the Year after averaging 18.6 points, 5.4 assists, and 5.2 steals during her senior year.
In her freshman year with the Gamecocks, McDaniel showed glimpses into what kind of player she is becoming at South Carolina. Her season-high performance came against Purdue in November, when she put up 10 points in 23 minutes of action. Defensively, McDaniel has also displayed her impact, making four steals and six assists against East Carolina.
McDaniel's contributions to the team have continued across the stat sheet throughout the season, as she made 8-of-8 free throws in December against TCU. Her season high of four rebounds against South Florida and again vs. East Carolina, and she recorded seven points against in-state rival Clemson.
With offseason development ahead of the team, McDaniel's return to South Carolina signals a bright and hopeful future for the Gamecocks' backcourt. Her versatility, defensive tenacity, and natural playmaking skills make Maddy McDaniel a key piece in what promises to be another championship-contending season.