BREAKING NEWS: Excitement fills Columbia as South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball star Chloe Kitts announces, I’m not going anywhere. She is set to return for the 2025-26 season after making the bold decision. Head Coach Dawn Staley has promised to make her
In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through the South Carolina women’s basketball program and beyond, star forward Chloe Kitts declared that she is returning for the 2025-26 season. This decision comes at a pivotal time for the Gamecocks, as the 6-foot-3 forward had been one of the most talked-about players in college basketball after an outstanding freshman campaign. Kitts’ announcement that she will remain in Columbia for at least one more season is a huge win for Head Coach Dawn Staley, the program, and the fans, solidifying the team’s chances of continuing their dominance in women’s college basketball.
Kitts, who had already garnered attention from professional basketball scouts and pundits as a future WNBA lottery pick, stunned many by choosing to stay in college and return for her sophomore season. After a remarkable year that saw her play a major role in the Gamecocks’ success on the court, Kitts’ decision to stay is seen as not just a personal triumph for the young star, but also a statement of her commitment to the program, her teammates, and her own development.
As South Carolina’s fanbase celebrates the return of one of the most promising talents in the country, Coach Dawn Staley has made it clear that the decision to keep Kitts in Columbia is a top priority and will be central to the Gamecocks’ national title aspirations in the upcoming season. In this article, we’ll dive into what Kitts’ return means for the program, how it will impact South Carolina’s national title hopes, and what this bold decision reveals about Kitts herself.
Chloe Kitts arrived at South Carolina in the 2024-25 season with a lot of hype surrounding her, and she didn’t disappoint. As a freshman, Kitts immediately made an impact on the court, becoming one of the key contributors for the Gamecocks. She brought a rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism that allowed her to play multiple positions and dominate in both the post and on the perimeter.
Over the course of the season, Kitts averaged an impressive 14.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, all while shooting an efficient 53% from the field. Her ability to stretch the floor as a forward with a solid mid-range game and a growing three-point shot made her a nightmare for opposing defenses. Additionally, her physicality and rebounding ability allowed her to contribute significantly in the paint, providing much-needed toughness for South Carolina’s frontcourt.
Kitts was also a key factor in South Carolina’s success in the NCAA Tournament, where she helped lead the Gamecocks to a Final Four appearance, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. Her play during the tournament was instrumental in securing wins over top-tier competition, making her one of the most talked-about players in women’s college basketball.
Off the court, Kitts quickly became a fan favorite in Columbia, known for her hard work, humility, and commitment to improving every day. Her demeanor and maturity belied her age, and it was clear that she had the mindset of a future star. Her combination of talent, leadership, and charisma made her one of the cornerstones of the program and someone who was poised to have a long and successful career.
After an exceptional freshman year, Kitts found herself faced with a decision that many young basketball stars dream of—whether to declare for the WNBA Draft or return to college for another season. For many, the lure of professional basketball and the opportunity to start a career in the WNBA would have been too great to ignore. However, Kitts made the decision to stay at South Carolina, and her reasons for doing so speak volumes about her character, her goals, and her vision for her future.
First and foremost, Kitts has repeatedly spoken about her desire to continue improving and developing her game. While she is already considered one of the top prospects in the country, she knows that there are still areas of her game that can be refined. By staying in college for another season under the tutelage of Coach Dawn Staley, Kitts has the opportunity to continue working on her shooting, defense, and overall basketball IQ. She has expressed a strong belief that one more year of college basketball will help her reach her ultimate potential, both as a player and as a person.
Additionally, Kitts has shown a deep commitment to the Gamecocks’ program and the relationships she has built with her teammates and coaches. Her bond with Coach Staley, one of the most respected and successful coaches in women’s basketball, was a significant factor in her decision to stay. Staley has always prided herself on developing players not just as athletes, but as leaders and individuals. Kitts believes that by staying at South Carolina, she can grow under Staley’s guidance and play an even bigger role in leading the Gamecocks to national championship contention.
Kitts’ decision is also a reflection of her understanding of the bigger picture. While playing professionally in the WNBA is a dream for many athletes, she recognizes that the longer she stays in college and develops her game, the better her chances will be of succeeding at the highest level. Her goal isn’t just to make it to the WNBA—it’s to make a lasting impact in the league, and she knows that taking the time to perfect her craft in college will give her the best foundation to do that.
Chloe Kitts’ decision to return for the 2025-26 season is a massive boost for the South Carolina women’s basketball team. With Kitts back in the fold, the Gamecocks now have one of the most talented and versatile players in college basketball leading the charge for another championship run. Her presence not only strengthens South Carolina’s frontcourt but also provides a crucial leadership element for a team that is poised to be one of the best in the country.
For Head Coach Dawn Staley, Kitts’ return is a huge win on multiple levels. Staley has long been known for her ability to develop players into complete basketball stars, and having Kitts back for another season gives her the opportunity to refine her game even further. Staley is one of the best coaches in the business, and she knows that with Kitts leading the way, South Carolina will remain a powerhouse in women’s college basketball.
The Gamecocks are already set to be one of the most talented teams in the country, with several key returners from last season’s Final Four squad. Kitts’ decision to return ensures that the team will remain a formidable force in the SEC and nationally. With Kitts anchoring the frontcourt, South Carolina will have one of the most well-rounded teams in the nation, combining elite defense, rebounding, and scoring with a high basketball IQ and deep team chemistry.
Having Kitts back for another season also raises the stakes for South Carolina’s recruiting. The Gamecocks have long been known for their ability to land elite talent, and Kitts’ decision to return is likely to have a positive effect on future recruiting classes. Top-tier recruits will look at Kitts and see the benefits of playing for a program that develops players to their fullest potential—both on and off the court.
Dawn Staley, one of the most decorated coaches in college basketball, has long been a mentor and advocate for Chloe Kitts. Staley’s coaching philosophy emphasizes developing not just basketball players, but strong, well-rounded women who are prepared for life after basketball. This approach has helped Staley create a legacy of success at South Carolina, and Kitts is poised to be a key part of that legacy moving forward.
Staley has already made it clear that she is committed to making Kitts’ future bright, whether that means continuing to develop her basketball skills or preparing her for the next chapter of her career, whether that be in the WNBA or elsewhere. Staley’s mentorship has been invaluable to Kitts, and with another year of growth and development under Staley’s tutelage, Kitts will be even better prepared for her professional career.
Staley has also expressed confidence that Kitts’ decision to stay will be a pivotal one for her long-term success. She has spoken about how this additional year in college will help Kitts refine her skills, develop a stronger mental game, and further establish herself as one of the best players in the country.
With Chloe Kitts set to return for the 2025-26 season, the future of South Carolina women’s basketball has never looked brighter. The Gamecocks are already a national title contender, and with Kitts anchoring the team, they will be one of the most formidable teams in the country.
For Kitts, the coming season is an opportunity to continue growing as a player, further establishing herself as a top prospect for the WNBA while leading the Gamecocks to even greater heights. With another year under Coach Staley’s guidance, Kitts will be poised to reach her full potential, both as a basketball player and as a person.
As South Carolina’s fans celebrate this exciting news, the anticipation for the 2025-26 season has reached a fever pitch. With Chloe Kitts returning to Columbia, the Gamecocks’ title hopes are very much alive, and the future looks incredibly bright for one of the most promising young stars in women’s basketball.
