In the NCAA Women’s Tournament, Chloe Kitts makes a huge impact for South Carolina.

The NCAA Women’s Tournament is a stage where legends are made, where rising stars seize their moments under the brightest lights of college basketball. For Chloe Kitts, a dynamic forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks, the 2025 tournament was a breakthrough moment that solidified her place as one of the most exciting players in women’s college basketball. As the Gamecocks navigated the challenging path to the Final Four, Kitts emerged as a pivotal figure, contributing in ways that left a lasting impact on the tournament and reaffirmed South Carolina’s reputation as a powerhouse.

While Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke have long been the faces of South Carolina basketball, Chloe Kitts made a resounding statement in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament, showcasing her all-around game, leadership, and unshakeable poise. Her performances were not just a testament to her individual talent, but also to the culture of excellence built by Dawn Staley and the deep, well-rounded team that South Carolina has become.

Chloe Kitts: A Rising Star

Chloe Kitts entered the season as a highly touted freshman forward who had shown flashes of brilliance during the regular season. Coming out of Florida, Kitts had been known for her athleticism, basketball IQ, and scoring versatility, making her a key piece in South Carolina’s recruiting class. Standing at 6’4”, she possessed the ideal combination of size, strength, and agility that made her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. She was equally comfortable playing inside or stepping out to the perimeter, showcasing a versatility that immediately caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.

Kitts had made an immediate impact during the 2024-2025 regular season, carving out a solid role on a roster that was loaded with veteran talent. Her ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game—whether it was rebounding, defending, or scoring—earned her consistent minutes off the bench. However, it wasn’t until the NCAA Tournament that Kitts’ potential truly came to the forefront.

As the Gamecocks prepared to face some of the toughest competition in the country, Chloe Kitts stepped up in a big way, proving that she was more than capable of handling the spotlight. Her all-around performances not only made her a key figure in South Carolina’s postseason run but also helped elevate her team to new heights.

Kitts’ Impact Against Indiana

One of the most defining moments of Chloe Kitts’ tournament run came in the Sweet 16 matchup against Indiana, a team many considered to be one of the favorites to win the national championship. Indiana had a highly experienced roster led by standout players like Grace Berger and Mackenzie Holmes, and many believed that their size, skill, and depth would overwhelm South Carolina.

But Kitts had other plans. In what was a closely contested and emotional game, Kitts made her presence felt from the very start. She was a force on both ends of the floor, proving to be a matchup problem for Indiana’s defenders. Kitts finished with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, playing a crucial role in both South Carolina’s offensive and defensive schemes.

Her performance was especially important in the second half, where South Carolina pulled away from Indiana with a series of key plays. With the game tied in the third quarter, Kitts scored 6 consecutive points, including a steal and fast-break layup that gave South Carolina a much-needed lead. Her ability to step up in crunch-time moments was a testament to her growing confidence and maturity, something that had been a hallmark of Dawn Staley’s teams.

On defense, Kitts was just as impactful. Her length and athleticism allowed her to guard multiple positions, and she was a key part of South Carolina’s defensive strategy to limit Indiana’s offensive flow. Whether she was contesting shots in the paint or switching onto Indiana’s guards, Kitts displayed a level of defensive versatility that made her invaluable.

Dawn Staley was quick to praise Kitts after the game. “Chloe stepped up in the biggest moments,” Staley said. “Her ability to make plays on both ends of the floor was critical to our success. She’s only a freshman, but she’s playing with the poise of someone who’s been in these situations before. She’s been a key piece all year, and tonight, she showed just how much she’s grown.”

The victory over Indiana was a landmark moment for both South Carolina and Kitts. It was a statement win for the Gamecocks, but it was also a clear sign that Kitts was ready to be a primary contributor in the highest-pressure situations. As South Carolina advanced to the Elite Eight, Kitts had proven that she was not just a talented freshman, but a player who could handle the weight of the moment.

Kitts’ Role in South Carolina’s Championship Aspirations

As South Carolina made its way through the tournament, Chloe Kitts’ role continued to grow. In their Elite Eight matchup against a tough UConn team, Kitts once again played a pivotal role in South Carolina’s victory. Though UConn’s Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers were able to keep the game close, Kitts’ ability to play both ends of the floor made a difference. She contributed 12 points, 6 rebounds, and a key block late in the game to seal the win. Her aggressive playstyle, confidence, and overall presence gave South Carolina the edge it needed to hold off the Huskies and move one step closer to the Final Four.

Throughout these games, Kitts displayed a maturity that belied her age. Despite being a freshman, she played with a level of composure that allowed her to thrive in the most intense moments. Her ability to balance her offensive and defensive responsibilities, along with her knack for making plays when needed, made her a crucial asset to South Carolina’s championship aspirations.

South Carolina’s balanced attack—featuring veteran players like Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke alongside the emerging talents of Chloe Kitts—was a key factor in their continued success. Kitts’ versatility allowed her to contribute in ways that complemented her teammates’ strengths. Her presence in the paint, along with her ability to stretch the floor and hit timely shots, made South Carolina even more difficult to defend.

Dawn Staley was again effusive in her praise of Kitts after the game. “Chloe is a special talent,” Staley said. “She’s someone who can impact the game in so many ways. Whether it’s scoring, rebounding, defending, or making plays in transition, she’s been a huge part of our success. I’ve said it all year—she’s only scratching the surface of what she can do.”

The Big Stage: Kitts’ Evolution into a Star

As the tournament progressed and the Gamecocks moved closer to the Final Four, Chloe Kitts’ reputation as a future star in women’s basketball only grew stronger. Her performances against top-tier opponents like Indiana, UConn, and others solidified her status as one of the most exciting young players in the country.

Kitts’ ability to step up in big moments was a defining feature of her tournament run. She seemed to thrive under pressure, never backing down from the challenge, and playing with a level of fearlessness that made her stand out. Her versatility on both ends of the floor made her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. She could score efficiently in the post, step out to hit a mid-range jumper, or create opportunities for her teammates with timely passes. Her defensive versatility—being able to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and provide shot-blocking presence—was just as important.

But perhaps what set Chloe Kitts apart most was her mentality. In interviews, her maturity and poise were clear, even in the face of the tournament’s pressures. She wasn’t intimidated by the high-stakes environment of the NCAA Tournament. Instead, she relished the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

“I’ve always believed in myself and my abilities,” Kitts said after the win over UConn. “But playing for a program like South Carolina, with the history and the leadership of Coach Staley, has made me even more confident. We have a great team, and I’m just doing my part to help us win.”

Looking Ahead: Kitts’ Future at South Carolina

Chloe Kitts’ performance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament has undoubtedly placed her firmly in the spotlight. Her impact on South Carolina’s run to the Final Four was undeniable, and as the Gamecocks continue their pursuit of a national championship, Kitts will likely play an even more prominent role in their success. With her combination of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ, it’s clear that Kitts has a bright future ahead of her in college basketball.

For South Carolina, Kitts’ development as a player is a key part of the team’s long-term success. With a strong supporting cast that includes veteran players like Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke, the Gamecocks have the foundation for sustained excellence. Kitts’ growth into a star player only strengthens that foundation, and she will likely be one of the cornerstones of South Carolina’s future.

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament continues, one thing is certain: Chloe Kitts is no longer just a freshman trying to find her way on the biggest stage. She has proven that she belongs,

and her impact on the South Carolina Gamecocks will be felt for years to come. With her continued development, there’s no telling how far she—and South Carolina—can go. The future of South Carolina basketball looks incredibly bright, and Chloe Kitts is poised to be at the heart of it all.