Gamecocks Gain National Spotlight: 5-Star Phenom Brooklyn Stewart Commits to South Carolina, Bolstering Program’s 2025 Recruiting Class and Raising Excitement for Future Seasons.
In a move that has shaken up the college basketball recruiting landscape, Brooklyn Stewart, one of the most sought-after high school basketball prospects in the nation, has officially committed to the University of South Carolina. The 5-star phenom chose the Gamecocks over powerhouse programs such as UConn, Stanford, and LSU, sending a wave of excitement through Columbia and putting the nation on notice: South Carolina is building something special.
For head coach Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks, Stewart’s commitment is more than just another recruiting win—it’s a statement. A statement that South Carolina continues to be one of the premier destinations for elite women’s basketball talent. A statement that the program is not only maintaining its dominance, but setting itself up for an even brighter future.
Who Is Brooklyn Stewart?
At just 17 years old, Brooklyn Stewart has already carved out a reputation as one of the most explosive and dynamic players in the country. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, she has lit up the high school scene with her scoring ability, lockdown defense, and unmatched athleticism. Standing at 6-foot-1, Stewart plays with a blend of power and finesse rarely seen at the high school level.
She averaged 27.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game during her junior season at Whitney Young High School, leading her team to a state championship and earning the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year award. More than just a stat-sheet stuffer, Stewart is a leader, a fierce competitor, and a player who rises to the occasion when the spotlight is brightest.
ESPN ranks her as the No. 2 player in the 2025 class, and her recruitment has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest high school-to-college transitions in recent memory. The attention surrounding her college decision has been immense, and with good reason—Stewart is expected to be a game-changer the moment she steps onto a collegiate court.
Why South Carolina?
The question on everyone’s mind: Why South Carolina? For Stewart, the decision came down to culture, development, and a championship mindset.
In an exclusive interview following her commitment, Stewart explained:
“South Carolina felt like home from the start. The coaches care about you not just as a player, but as a person. Coach Staley has built a culture of winning, but also one of respect and sisterhood. That’s what I want to be a part of.”
Coach Dawn Staley, a Hall of Famer and one of the most respected figures in women’s basketball, played a pivotal role in recruiting Stewart. Her track record of developing talent, both in college and for the pros, was a major factor in Stewart’s decision. Staley has helped mold stars like A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and Zia Cooke—not only into WNBA players, but into leaders on and off the court.
“Coach Staley gets it,” Stewart added. “She’s done it at every level and knows what it takes. I trust her to help me become the best version of myself.”
What Stewart Brings to the Gamecocks
With the addition of Brooklyn Stewart, South Carolina adds a versatile, high-octane scorer who can immediately contribute on both ends of the floor. Offensively, she brings a diverse skill set—she can shoot from deep, create off the dribble, and finish in traffic. Defensively, her quickness and anticipation make her a nightmare for opposing guards.
But perhaps more importantly, Stewart brings star power. The kind of player who can fill arenas, attract media coverage, and elevate the national profile of the program even further.
She’s projected to play both shooting guard and small forward for the Gamecocks, depending on the matchup. Her arrival gives South Carolina incredible flexibility in their lineups and adds to an already stacked roster filled with talented underclassmen and veteran leadership.
A Recruiting Class to Remember
With Stewart’s commitment, South Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in program history. The Gamecocks had already secured commitments from 4-star forward Jada Simmons and elite point guard Tiana Green, and now with Stewart on board, they’ve solidified themselves as the No. 1 class in the nation.
What’s more, these players aren’t just highly ranked—they complement each other perfectly. Simmons brings interior toughness, Green brings speed and vision, and Stewart brings firepower and leadership. Together, they represent the future of South Carolina basketball.
The Dawn Staley Effect
None of this happens without the relentless effort and vision of head coach Dawn Staley. Since taking over in 2008, Staley has turned South Carolina from a mid-tier program into a perennial national championship contender. Her ability to connect with players on a personal level, combined with her championship pedigree, makes her a magnet for elite talent.
Staley’s recent success on the court—including multiple Final Four appearances and national titles—has only strengthened her reputation. But it’s her authenticity and mentorship that keeps players and families coming back.
“Coach Staley treats you like family. It’s not fake, it’s not for show—it’s real,” Stewart’s mother said. “She made us feel like Brooklyn would be in good hands, and that’s priceless.”
Fan and Program Reaction
The announcement of Stewart’s commitment sent shockwaves through social media, with fans and analysts praising South Carolina’s recruiting dominance.
Gamecock Nation erupted in celebration, with fans already imagining the future championship banners that Stewart might help raise in Colonial Life Arena. Student groups and alumni associations took to Twitter and Instagram to welcome Stewart with open arms, while current and former players praised her decision.
South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner also weighed in:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Brooklyn to the Gamecock family. She embodies everything we value—excellence, integrity, and heart. The future is incredibly bright.”
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
With Stewart and a loaded recruiting class joining an already elite roster, the Gamecocks are positioned to continue their dominance into the next era of college basketball. While the current team continues to compete for national titles, the arrival of Stewart ensures that the program doesn’t miss a beat.
Expectations will be sky-high, but if Stewart’s high school career is any indication, she thrives under pressure. Her confidence, poise, and drive to win make her the type of player who doesn’t just meet expectations—she exceeds them.
WNBA Potential
Though her college journey has yet to begin, Brooklyn Stewart is already on the radar of WNBA scouts. Her combination of athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ makes her a future lottery pick if she continues to develop under Coach Staley’s guidance.
The WNBA has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, and players like Stewart represent the next wave of stars poised to carry the league forward. She has the makings of a franchise player—both in college and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Brooklyn Stewart’s commitment to South Carolina isn’t just another big-name signing. It’s a transformative moment for the Gamecocks and for women’s college basketball. It reaffirms South Carolina’s status as a recruiting powerhouse and a championship contender. It brings a new level of excitement to an already energized fanbase. And it gives the sport a new face to watch, celebrate, and be inspired by.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Stewart and the Gamecocks. The road to championships is never easy, but with talent like hers, anything is possible.
