South Carolina Gamecocks standout Chloe Kitts offered a thoughtful answer about the pressure of playing for such a great program.

South Carolina Gamecocks Standout Chloe Kitts Reflects on the Pressure of Playing for Such a Great Program

The South Carolina Gamecocks have long been one of the most dominant teams in women’s college basketball, and as the program continues to rise in prominence, players who are fortunate enough to wear the garnet and black face the weight of great expectations. One of those players is Chloe Kitts, a standout talent who has quickly established herself as a key figure in the Gamecocks’ lineup.

Kitts, who joined South Carolina with immense promise, has embraced her role in what is undoubtedly one of the top programs in the country. However, the pressure of playing for such a prestigious and successful team has been no small feat. It’s not just about living up to individual expectations; it’s about carrying on the legacy of a program that has consistently been at the top of the sport. In a candid moment, Kitts opened up about the pressure of playing for such a great program and how she has learned to handle the expectations placed on her and her teammates.

As a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school, Kitts was well aware of the legacy she was stepping into when she committed to South Carolina. The Gamecocks, led by legendary head coach Dawn Staley, have become synonymous with success. With multiple SEC titles, a 2017 NCAA championship, and a 2022 NCAA title, South Carolina has been a powerhouse, and every player who joins the program understands the expectations. But for Kitts, the weight of those expectations was not something that overwhelmed her—it was something that fueled her growth as a player and a person.

The Power of the Gamecocks’ Legacy

South Carolina’s success in women’s college basketball is well-documented. Since Staley took over the program in 2008, the Gamecocks have become a force to be reckoned with. They’ve claimed multiple SEC championships and have appeared in several Final Fours, while also earning national recognition for their ability to develop talent, play tough defense, and compete at the highest level.

As a player, Chloe Kitts has undoubtedly felt the weight of these high standards. After all, when you’re joining a program that has been as successful as South Carolina, the expectations are bound to be significant. Fans expect nothing less than excellence, and the players are tasked with maintaining the program’s elite status.

However, for Kitts, this pressure is not a burden. Instead, it has become a driving force. The Gamecocks’ storied history and the coaching staff’s dedication to building championship-caliber teams have inspired her to push herself to be better every day. “When you step into this program, you realize you’re part of something much bigger than yourself. South Carolina has been at the top for a reason, and there’s no room to rest on past successes,” Kitts explained. “It’s about continuing to push the boundaries and to uphold the standard that’s been set by players who came before us.”

What Kitts recognizes is that the weight of the program’s legacy isn’t just about the pressure to win; it’s also about representing a culture of excellence, discipline, and teamwork that is ingrained in the South Carolina program. And Kitts is eager to contribute to this legacy, using the challenges and pressures to fuel her development both as a player and as a teammate.

Handling the Pressure

While playing for a program of South Carolina’s caliber comes with high expectations, Chloe Kitts has always been equipped to handle pressure. From a young age, she was taught to embrace challenges and view them as opportunities to grow. Her strong mentality, coupled with the support system around her, has helped her navigate the intense scrutiny that comes with being a standout player for a top-tier program.

“I’ve always been someone who thrives under pressure,” Kitts said. “I think it’s something that’s been instilled in me since I was younger. My family, my coaches, my teammates—all of them remind me that pressure is just a part of the game, and it’s how you respond to it that matters.”

For Kitts, the key to managing the pressure has been her ability to focus on what she can control. Instead of allowing herself to get overwhelmed by the spotlight or by the expectations of others, she focuses on the process—the hard work, the preparation, and the commitment to improving every day. By breaking down her goals into manageable tasks and focusing on the process, Kitts has been able to maintain a level of calmness and composure even when the stakes are high.

South Carolina’s success isn’t just a product of the talent on the floor; it’s also about the collective mindset that the players, coaches, and staff maintain. The Gamecocks are known for their resilience and mental toughness, and Kitts has embraced these values. Whether it’s facing a tough opponent, playing in front of a raucous home crowd at Colonial Life Arena, or competing in high-pressure situations during the NCAA tournament, Kitts has learned to stay focused on the task at hand.

“Being part of this team, you can’t help but feel motivated,” Kitts added. “When you have such a high standard, you have to rise to it. It’s not about worrying about what people expect from you—it’s about pushing yourself to meet and exceed those expectations. That’s what we do here. We work hard every day, and we hold each other accountable.”

Learning from Her Teammates

Chloe Kitts isn’t alone in facing the pressure of playing for such a renowned program. The South Carolina Gamecocks have an outstanding roster filled with elite talent—both returning players and newcomers—who face similar expectations. In particular, Kitts credits her teammates for helping her adjust to the rigorous demands of playing for South Carolina.

Veteran players like Aliyah Boston, Brea Beal, and Zia Cooke have set the standard for what it takes to succeed in this program. Boston, a former National Player of the Year, has been a constant presence on the court, dominating with her leadership and skill. Beal and Cooke are also integral to the team’s success, and Kitts has been able to learn from their experiences and leadership.

“The best thing about this team is how selfless everyone is. There’s no ‘I’ in our program—everybody is here for the team,” Kitts said. “Having players like Aliyah, Zia, and Brea around to learn from has been incredible. They’ve taught me how to handle the pressure and how to focus on the bigger picture. They’re role models, not just on the court but off it as well. They show me what it means to be a Gamecock.”

For Kitts, the opportunity to learn from the program’s veteran players has been invaluable. She’s watched them handle pressure with grace and has picked up vital lessons on leadership, mental toughness, and navigating the highs and lows of the season. Their guidance has helped Kitts embrace her role and continue to develop into a key contributor for the Gamecocks.

The Future of South Carolina Basketball

With Chloe Kitts already emerging as a key figure in the Gamecocks’ lineup, the future of South Carolina basketball looks incredibly bright. As the program continues to build on its legacy, Kitts is excited to play a role in shaping what comes next.

“As a program, we’re always looking forward. The goal is to keep building, to keep getting better, and to keep competing for championships,” Kitts said. “I’m excited to be part of that. We have such great players on this team, and I think we’re only going to get better from here.”

While South Carolina’s past successes are undeniable, Kitts recognizes that the future is just as important. It’s not just about trying to repeat past achievements but about continuing to innovate and grow. As the Gamecocks look toward the future, players like Kitts will be at the forefront of this new era.