Four Gamecocks Are Selected to the All-America Team In a spectacular demonstration of skill and brilliance.
Four Gamecocks Earn All-America Status: A Remarkable Display of Talent and Excellence
In the world of college athletics, achieving All-America status is a remarkable accomplishment that signals the pinnacle of individual excellence. For the South Carolina Gamecocks, this honor has become a familiar one in recent years, with many athletes excelling in their respective sports. The 2024-2025 academic year has been no different, as four Gamecock athletes have earned All-America recognition in a display of talent, hard work, and dedication to their sports. This achievement not only brings pride to the athletes themselves but also to the entire University of South Carolina community, as it further solidifies the Gamecocks as a force to be reckoned with on the national stage.
All-America honors are awarded to athletes who have demonstrated superior performance during a season, often leading their teams to success in both conference and national competitions. For the four Gamecocks who have earned this prestigious recognition, the journey to such an accomplishment has been filled with determination, training, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In this article, we will explore the athletes who earned All-America status, their individual accomplishments, and what this recognition means for both them and the University of South Carolina.
The Significance of All-America Status
The All-America designation is one of the highest honors an athlete can achieve in college sports. Whether in football, basketball, soccer, or any other sport, being named to an All-America team means that the athlete is among the best in the country in their respective discipline. This recognition is typically awarded by coaches, sportswriters, or other experts in the field who closely observe performance throughout the season.
For athletes, earning All-America honors is not just a personal achievement; it is a reflection of the support they receive from their coaches, teammates, and the university at large. It signifies that their hard work, sacrifice, and commitment to excellence have paid off. It also brings national recognition, often serving as a stepping stone to future professional opportunities, sponsorships, and lasting legacies in the sport.
At South Carolina, earning All-America status is part of the program’s larger culture of success. The university has a proud tradition of athletic excellence, and the Gamecocks have consistently produced top-tier talent. The accomplishments of these four athletes highlight not only their personal achievements but also the continued success of South Carolina’s athletic programs.
The Four Gamecocks Who Earned All-America Honors
The four Gamecocks who earned All-America status in the 2024-2025 academic year come from different sports, but each one has displayed extraordinary talent and determination to make their mark on their respective teams and competitions. Let’s take a closer look at each of these athletes and the journey that led them to national recognition.
1. Jasmine Carson – Women’s Basketball (Guard)
Jasmine Carson’s journey to becoming an All-American began long before she set foot on the court at South Carolina. As a transfer from Louisiana State University, Carson quickly made a name for herself as one of the most talented and dynamic players on the Gamecocks’ roster. A 5’10” guard, Carson brought a combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive abilities that made her a valuable asset to the Gamecocks.
Carson’s breakout year came in the 2024-2025 season, when she played a pivotal role in leading South Carolina to another successful NCAA tournament run. Known for her perimeter shooting, court vision, and ability to score in clutch moments, Carson averaged double digits in points, rebounds, and assists. Her strong defensive presence also made her one of the most well-rounded players in the country, and she quickly became a leader on and off the court.
Her performance throughout the season, which included several 30-point games and key defensive plays in critical moments, earned her a spot on the prestigious All-America team. Carson’s selection as an All-American is a testament to her hard work, her leadership qualities, and her unwavering focus on improving each day. Her success in the WNBA Draft is also a testament to the preparation she received under the guidance of Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley.
2. Zia Cooke – Women’s Basketball (Guard)
Another Gamecock standout, Zia Cooke, earned All-America honors in 2024-2025, cementing her place as one of the most skilled guards in the nation. Cooke, a native of Toledo, Ohio, has been a consistent force for the Gamecocks since her freshman year. With a remarkable combination of speed, agility, and basketball IQ, Cooke has been instrumental in the Gamecocks’ success over the years. Her ability to break down defenses, create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates, and play with passion and intensity has made her one of the top players in women’s college basketball.
Throughout the 2024-2025 season, Cooke averaged a career-high in points, assists, and steals. Her impressive performances helped propel South Carolina to the top of the SEC standings, and she was an instrumental part of the Gamecocks’ success in the NCAA tournament. Her scoring ability was on full display during several high-profile games, and her ability to take over in crunch time made her an invaluable asset to her team.
In recognition of her accomplishments, Cooke was named an All-American. Her selection is well-deserved and reflects her growth as a player and her ability to perform at the highest level. As Cooke prepares to make her mark in the professional ranks, this honor solidifies her status as one of the best players in college basketball.
3. Brad Johnson – Football (Defensive End)
In football, defensive end Brad Johnson made his presence felt on the national stage with an exceptional 2024-2025 season. Known for his explosive first step, powerful pass-rushing ability, and relentless pursuit of the quarterback, Johnson was a key player on South Carolina’s defense. Over the course of the season, he racked up numerous sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback pressures, earning him a spot as one of the nation’s top defensive players.
Johnson’s breakout performances against some of the SEC’s toughest opponents earned him widespread recognition. His dominance in the trenches and ability to disrupt opposing offenses made him a game-changer for South Carolina. Notably, Johnson’s performance in the Gamecocks’ rivalry game against Clemson helped secure a crucial victory for the team, with the defensive end recording multiple sacks and tackles for loss.
Brad Johnson’s selection as an All-American is a testament to his skill, preparation, and commitment to excellence. It also highlights the continued success of South Carolina’s football program, which has become one of the most respected in the SEC. Johnson’s success is a reflection of the hard work and leadership of head coach Shane Beamer and the entire Gamecocks football staff.
4. Avery McDonald – Track and Field (Sprinter)
Avery McDonald, a sprinter for South Carolina’s track and field team, is another Gamecock who earned All-America honors in the 2024-2025 season. McDonald, known for her lightning-fast speed and explosive acceleration, has been one of the most dominant sprinters in college athletics. Throughout the season, McDonald broke several school records and captured multiple titles in both the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints.
Her consistent performance at national meets, including the NCAA Championships, helped her secure a spot on the All-America team. McDonald’s speed and precision on the track have made her a standout athlete, and her hard work in the offseason has paid off in the form of numerous accolades. Her performances have not only helped elevate the South Carolina track and field program but have also made her one of the top sprinters in the nation.
McDonald’s achievement is a testament to the work put in behind the scenes, including countless hours of training and competition. Her commitment to improving and her ability to perform under pressure have earned her this prestigious recognition. As she looks toward future competition and professional opportunities, McDonald’s place on the All-America team solidifies her legacy as one of the best sprinters in South Carolina’s history.
The Impact of These Achievements on the Gamecocks Program
The achievements of these four Gamecocks—Jasmine Carson, Zia Cooke, Brad Johnson, and Avery McDonald—serve as a reflection of the overall success of the University of South Carolina’s athletic programs. In recent years, South Carolina has become a breeding ground for elite talent, and these four athletes are just a few examples of the incredible athletes who have walked through the doors of the university.
Their All-America selections are not only personal triumphs but also reflect the strength of their respective coaching staffs and the support system at South Carolina. Head coaches like Dawn Staley (women’s basketball), Shane Beamer (football), and others have fostered an environment where athletes can reach their fullest potential. The Gamecocks’ culture of excellence, combined with state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to athlete development, has created an environment where top talent can thrive.
Moreover, the success of these athletes adds to the growing reputation of South Carolina as a national powerhouse in college athletics. Whether it’s in women’s basketball, football, or track and field, the Gamecocks are proving that they can compete with the best in the country. As the university continues to build on its success, the achievements of these four athletes will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Gamecocks to follow in their footsteps.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence
Earning All-America status is a remarkable achievement that places an athlete among the best in the nation. For the four Gamecocks who earned this honor—Jasmine Carson, Zia Cooke, Brad Johnson, and Avery McDonald—this recognition serves as a testament to their talent, hard work, and dedication to their sports. Their accomplishments not only bring pride to themselves but also to the entire University of South Carolina community.
As these athletes continue to compete at the highest level, they will leave a lasting legacy that will inspire future Gamecocks to strive for excellence. Their success is a reflection of the strength of the Gamecocks’ athletic programs and the bright future that lies ahead for the university’s sports teams. With athletes like Carson, Cooke, Johnson, and McDonald leading the way, South Carolina’s reputation as a national powerhouse in college athletics will only continue to grow.
