South Carolina women's basketball continues to prove why Columbia is the premier destination for elite talent. On Monday night, California forward Kaeli Wynn announced her commitment to the Gamecocks, choosing Dawn Staley's powerhouse program over several national contenders. The 6-foot-2 forward from Mater Dei in Los Angeles, CA made her decision public on social media after taking two visits to Columbia this fall. Wynn was in town for an official visit the weekend of Sept. 5, then returned with close friend and fellow five-star Jerzy Robinson the weekend of Oct. 24, a trip that clearly must have sealed the deal for her.
IM HOMEEEE🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽 https://t.co/8F7wTa52Jl
— Kaeli Wynn (@kaeli_wynn) November 10, 2025
A Highly Ranked, High-IQ Addition
Wynn is ranked No. 17 overall by ESPN, No. 22 by Rivals, and No. 38 by 247Sports, impressive consensus numbers for a player still working her way back from injury. She dislocated her knee in January of this year and missed the remainder of her junoir seasonn and summer circuit.
As a junior, Wynn averaged 17.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and an impressive 43% from the three, earning MaxPreps Honorable Mention All-American honors despite missing significant time. Wynn has described herself as a "do-it-all player," capable of stretching the floor, defending multi8ple positions, and facilitating within an offense. Those who know her game say her basketball IQ jumps off the film, which makes sense considering her pedigree.
A Basketball Family Rooted in the Game
Wynn comes from good stock, as well, as her family is deeply embedded in basketball. Her mom, Jody Wynn, played at Southern Cal, where she was teammates with the legendary Lisa Leslie, before coaching at Long Beach State, Washington, and currently at Mater Dei.
Her father, Derek Wynn, is an assistant coach at UC Irvine, where Kaeli's sister Jada Wynn will play this season after stints at Colorado and Texas Tech. Basketball isn't just in her blood, it is clearly in her DNA too.
Kaeli's upbringing in a basketball family shows on the court, too. She is poised, smart, and constantly aware of the flow of the game. She is versatile enough to slide between the wing and forward spots and has the kind of decision-making that Staley covets in her system. She will be a huge asset in the program.
“It Felt Like Home”
In an interview with ESPN, Wynn said the decision came down to more than just basketball. “I chose South Carolina because of Coach Staley’s leadership, the program’s championship culture and the energy of Gamecock Nation that made Columbia feel like home,” she said. “I’m looking forward to competing at the highest level and helping the Gamecocks win more SEC and national championships.”
That kind of statement says it all. South Carolina doesn't just recruit great players; they attract competitors who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
The Class of 2026 Takes Shape
Wynn will join 6-foot-4 forward Kelsi Andrews in South Carolina's 2026 class, giving the Gamecocks an early and formidable foundation for the future. Staley and her coaching staff remain active in recruiting, still heavily involved with some top recruits such as Jerzy Robinson, Brehanna Crittendon, French forward Alicia Tournebize, and Spanish forward Sara Okeke.
Given Staley's track record and the championship culture she has built in Columbia, there is little doubt that South Carolina will continue to the magnet for the nation's best talent. Wynn's commitment is the latest reminder the South Carolina is still the standard in women's college basketball.