DI Leading Scorer Ta’Niya Latson Commits to South Carolina
In a significant development for South Carolina women’s basketball, Ta’Niya Latson, the nation’s leading scorer in NCAA Division I women’s basketball, has committed to join the Gamecocks for the upcoming season. This move marks a pivotal moment in the team’s quest to reclaim national prominence and adds a formidable weapon to their offensive arsenal.
Latson’s decision to transfer from Florida State to South Carolina was announced in April 2025, sending ripples through the college basketball community. Over her three-year tenure with the Seminoles, Latson established herself as one of the most prolific scorers in the nation. In the 2024–25 season, she led all of Division I women’s basketball with an average of 24.9 points per game, a feat that earned her second-team All-American honors from both the Associated Press and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association .
Her scoring prowess was not limited to consistent point totals; Latson delivered some of the most memorable individual performances in recent college basketball history. Notably, she scored a career-high 40 points against Virginia Tech, tying the Florida State program record for most points in a single game . Additionally, she recorded a triple-double in a victory over Gonzaga, showcasing her versatility and all-around game .
Beyond her scoring ability, Latson’s impact on the court was multifaceted. She became the fastest player in Florida State history to reach 2,000 career points and holds the program record for free throws made . Her accolades include being named a three-time All-ACC First Team selection and earning the ACC Rookie of the Year award in 2023 .
Latson’s arrival at South Carolina is expected to fill a critical void left by the departure of MiLaysia Fulwiley, who entered the transfer portal following the Gamecocks’ national championship loss to UConn . With Fulwiley’s exit, South Carolina was in need of a dynamic offensive leader, and Latson’s scoring ability positions her to step into that role seamlessly.
Her reunion with former high school teammate Raven Johnson adds an intriguing layer to the team’s backcourt dynamics. The two players, who previously led Westlake High School in Atlanta to a GEICO Nationals title, now have the opportunity to rekindle their on-court chemistry at the collegiate level .
Under the guidance of head coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina has consistently been a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, securing national championships and producing WNBA talent. The addition of Latson further solidifies the Gamecocks’ status as a national title contender. Her scoring ability, combined with the team’s existing talent, positions South Carolina to be a formidable force in the upcoming season.
Latson’s commitment also underscores the growing trend of high-profile transfers reshaping the landscape of women’s college basketball. As programs increasingly utilize the transfer portal to bolster their rosters, the movement of a player of Latson’s caliber highlights the dynamic nature of college athletics and the strategic decisions programs make to enhance their competitiveness.
For South Carolina, the acquisition of Latson is more than just a roster addition; it is a statement of intent. With a potent scorer now in the fold, the Gamecocks are poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament and vie for another national championship. The combination of Latson’s individual brilliance and the collective strength of the team sets the stage for an exciting and promising season ahead.
