South Carolina women’s basketball roster features stars like Joyce Edwards and Chloe Kitts, who bring impressive stats and elite potential.
The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team continues to prove itself as a dominant force in the NCAA. After a stellar season and deep tournament run, the future looks even brighter thanks to a roster stacked with elite talent and emerging stars. Two names that shine especially bright are Joyce Edwards and Chloe Kitts, both of whom bring a unique combination of skill, size, and tenacity to Dawn Staley’s squad.
Joyce Edwards, one of the most heralded recruits in the nation, joins the Gamecocks with an impressive high school resume. As a McDonald’s All-American and South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year, Edwards is known for her versatile skill set. Standing at 6-foot-2, she possesses the agility of a guard and the physicality of a forward, making her a matchup nightmare for opponents. Her ability to stretch the floor, rebound with aggression, and play lockdown defense fits perfectly into South Carolina’s already tough and defensive-minded system.
Edwards’ senior season at Camden High School was nothing short of phenomenal. She averaged 28 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks per game, leading her team to a state title. Her high basketball IQ and leadership qualities were on full display throughout her prep career, making her an instant-impact player for the Gamecocks. While freshmen often take time to adjust to the pace and physicality of college basketball, Edwards’ maturity and polished game suggest she could be a major contributor right away.
Chloe Kitts, a returning sophomore, continues to grow into one of the most versatile players in the SEC. The 6-foot-2 forward showed flashes of brilliance during her freshman campaign, particularly on the defensive end and in transition. Known for her motor and willingness to do the dirty work, Kitts quickly became a favorite of Coach Staley for her coachability and team-first mindset.
During the 2024 season, Kitts averaged 9.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, often guarding the opposition’s best frontcourt player. Her ability to switch onto guards, block shots, and secure rebounds makes her an invaluable piece of South Carolina’s rotation. Offensively, Kitts has expanded her range, adding a more reliable mid-range jumper and better decision-making in the high post. With another offseason under her belt, she’s poised to take another leap in production.
Together, Edwards and Kitts represent the blend of youth and experience that makes South Carolina so dangerous. Under Dawn Staley’s guidance, both players are expected to flourish. Staley’s track record of developing talent and preparing her players for the next level speaks volumes. Former Gamecocks like A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and Zia Cooke are now shining in the WNBA, a testament to the program’s ability to turn potential into performance.
Beyond Edwards and Kitts, the Gamecocks roster is deep and loaded with talent. The backcourt features speed and shooting, while the frontcourt remains one of the most formidable in the nation. The combination of veterans and underclassmen creates a competitive environment where players are constantly pushing each other to improve. This culture of accountability and excellence is a hallmark of Staley’s teams and one reason why the Gamecocks are always in the national title conversation.
The arrival of Joyce Edwards also signals a continued dominance in recruiting for South Carolina. Staley and her staff have consistently landed top-tier talent, ensuring that the program remains elite year after year. Edwards’ commitment was a major recruiting win and showed that the Gamecocks remain a destination for the best players in the country.
Looking ahead, fans have plenty to be excited about. With Kitts stepping into a larger role and Edwards beginning what promises to be an electric college career, the Gamecocks are not just reloading—they’re evolving. This evolution is essential in maintaining dominance in a constantly shifting landscape, where NIL deals, the transfer portal, and increased parity in women’s basketball are changing the game.
As the new season approaches, expectations are sky-high for South Carolina. With stars like Chloe Kitts returning and phenoms like Joyce Edwards joining the fold, there’s every reason to believe that the Gamecocks will once again be a powerhouse on the national stage. The combination of elite talent, strong leadership, and a championship-caliber culture makes South Carolina a team to watch—and perhaps the team to beat.
Whether it’s Kitts diving for a loose ball or Edwards knocking down a clutch three, Gamecocks fans can expect grit, skill, and heart every time their team takes the court. The future is not only bright—it’s Gamecock garnet and black.
