The standard remains in the city of Columbia, SC when it comes to championship expectations. Media members across the SEC have once again voted South Carolina Women's Basketball to repeat as the SEC Regular-Season Championship for the 2025-26 campaign, the league office announced on Monday.
Sophomore forward Joyce Edwards earned a spot on the Preseason All-SEC First Team, while Florida State transfer Ta'Niya Latson was named to the Second Team, giving the Gamecocks two of the most dynamic players in the conference spotlight. Edwards, the reigning SEC Freshman of the Year, led South Carolina in scoring last season with 12.7 points per game and ranked third in rebounds at 5.0 per game. Her poise and efficiency, shooting 57.2% from the field and 77.7% from the line, earned her All-America honorable mention and a spot on the NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team.
Latson arrives in Columbia with one of the most impressive resumes in college basketball. The former Florida State star led the nation in scoring last year at 25.2 points per game, earning Second Team All-America honors and three consecutive First Team All-ACC selections. She has scored in double figures in 86 of her 93 games, including an eye-popping 62 games of 20+ points.
Head coach Dawn Staley returns seven letterwinners from last season's NCAA Runner-Up team, including veterans Raven Johnson and Tessa Johnson, though the Gamecocks recently absorbed the loss of forward Chloe Kitts to an ACL injury. Transfer center Madina Okot, who led the SEC in field goal percentage (.649) last season, will also bolster the frontcourt.
Two McDonald's All-Americans, Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell, headline a loaded freshman class. With a blend of returning veterans, elite newcomers, and a championship-tested coach, South Carolina enters the 2025-26 season as the undisputed team to beat in the SEC once again.
The Gamecocks will unofficially open the 2025-26 season with an exhibition game against Anderson University on Friday, October 24 at Colonial Life Arena. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Admission is free to the public.