South Carolina junior forward Ashlyn Watkins announced she will not play for the Gamecocks in the upcmoing 2025/26 season.

In a stunning announcement that sent ripples through the college basketball world, South Carolina Gamecocks junior forward Ashlyn Watkins revealed that she will not be returning for the 2025/26 season. The news, shared via a heartfelt statement on social media, marks a significant turn in what had been a promising collegiate career for the talented forward, who had been one of the standout players on a team that had captured multiple SEC titles and remained a national powerhouse under head coach Dawn Staley.

Watkins, who had been a key contributor to South Carolina’s dominance in women’s college basketball over the past two seasons, explained her decision as one rooted in personal reflection, growth, and a desire to pursue new opportunities both on and off the court. Her departure, which caught both fans and analysts by surprise, has left many speculating about the future of the Gamecocks and the impact her absence will have on the team’s championship aspirations.

Before diving into the implications of Watkins’ decision, it’s important to understand the context of her rise to prominence. Ashlyn Watkins was regarded as one of the most highly touted recruits in the country when she signed with South Carolina in 2023. Known for her explosive athleticism, impressive versatility, and competitive fire, Watkins quickly made a name for herself as one of the top forwards in the SEC.

In her first season with the Gamecocks, Watkins contributed significantly, helping the team secure another conference title and making an immediate impact on both ends of the floor. Her combination of size, speed, and basketball IQ made her a matchup nightmare for opponents. As a result, she quickly earned a reputation as one of the most dynamic players in the league.

Her sophomore year in 2024/25 only solidified her status as one of the rising stars in women’s basketball. Watkins played an integral role in South Carolina’s deep run in the NCAA tournament, and her ability to stretch the floor, finish at the rim, and defend at a high level made her a fixture in the Gamecocks’ starting lineup. The future seemed incredibly bright for Watkins as she appeared poised to become one of the top players in the country heading into her junior year.

However, despite the team’s success and her individual accolades, Watkins’ decision to step away from the program has left many questioning what could have been. So, what led to her decision, and what does it mean for South Carolina moving forward?

In her statement announcing her decision, Watkins did not go into great detail about the reasons behind her departure, though she was careful to emphasize that it was a deeply personal decision. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play at South Carolina, acknowledging the guidance and support she received from Coach Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks’ staff.

“First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Coach Staley, my teammates, and the entire Gamecock community for the love, support, and opportunities that have come my way over the past two years,” Watkins wrote. “It has been an honor to be a part of this program, and I will always cherish the moments and memories I’ve made here. That said, after much reflection, I have decided that it is time for me to step away from the team and pursue new opportunities. This was not an easy decision, but I know in my heart that it is the right one for me at this point in my life.”

Watkins did not offer any specific details about her plans for the future, but her decision clearly reflects a desire to move in a different direction—one that may involve either a professional basketball career or perhaps a focus on other personal or professional pursuits outside the sport.

Her departure has raised some eyebrows, especially given the timing. With the 2025/26 season just around the corner, South Carolina was expected to be one of the top teams in the country, with Watkins playing a key role in the team’s bid for another NCAA title. Her absence will no doubt be felt, not only in terms of the team’s on-court performance but also in the leadership void left behind by one of the most experienced players on the roster.

Ashlyn Watkins’ decision to step away from the Gamecocks leaves a significant hole in South Carolina’s frontcourt heading into the 2025/26 season. As one of the most versatile and talented forwards in the country, Watkins’ skill set was considered crucial to South Carolina’s continued success, especially as they prepare to face off against a new wave of top-tier opponents in the SEC and beyond.

With Watkins no longer on the roster, South Carolina will likely need to adjust both their game plans and lineup. Fortunately for Coach Staley, the Gamecocks have a deep and talented roster, and while Watkins’ absence is undoubtedly a blow, South Carolina is still well-equipped to remain a national contender.

The Gamecocks still have a wealth of talent in their frontcourt, with players like Kamilla Cardoso, one of the most dominant centers in women’s college basketball, expected to play an even more significant role. Cardoso, who has been a dominant force in the paint for South Carolina, will now be relied upon more heavily to anchor the team’s defense and provide scoring inside.

Additionally, South Carolina has several other forwards on the roster who will be called upon to step up. Players like Laeticia Amihere and Ashlyn’s fellow junior, Raven Johnson, who has made significant strides since her freshman year, could see more opportunities to shine in expanded roles. Johnson, in particular, is a player to watch after showing promise as a leader on both ends of the floor in limited minutes last season.

While the Gamecocks will miss Watkins’ ability to stretch the floor and guard multiple positions, they still possess one of the most formidable lineups in the country, and Coach Staley will likely find ways to adjust the team’s strategy to maximize the talents of her remaining players.

Watkins’ departure is also likely to have an impact on South Carolina’s recruiting efforts. As one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball, the Gamecocks have no shortage of top-tier recruits lining up to join the team, and Staley’s program is still considered a destination for players looking to compete at the highest level. However, with the loss of such a key player, Staley and her staff may look to recruit additional forwards to fill the gap left by Watkins.

While the Gamecocks have already secured some of the best prospects in the country, this loss may prompt the coaching staff to target immediate-impact players who can contribute from day one. South Carolina will likely look for players who can provide versatility, athleticism, and a strong defensive presence—qualities that Watkins brought to the table.

The departure of a player like Watkins could also shift the dynamic of the team’s chemistry, particularly for younger players who were looking up to her as a mentor. It will be crucial for Staley and her leadership group to keep the team focused and cohesive, ensuring that the transition without Watkins is as smooth as possible.

While South Carolina fans are left wondering what could have been in the upcoming season, they also respect Watkins’ decision to prioritize her personal growth and future. As a player with such immense talent and potential, Watkins’ future remains bright, whether she chooses to pursue a professional basketball career or focus on other ventures.

The possibility of Watkins declaring for the WNBA draft is one of the major talking points surrounding her decision. She has the skills to be a high pick in the draft, and many scouts believe she is ready to make the leap to the professional ranks. However, given the timing of her announcement, it’s unclear if she will opt to enter the draft in 2026 or take some time away from basketball to explore other opportunities.

Outside of basketball, Watkins has shown interest in a variety of causes, including youth development and community outreach. She has frequently used her platform to advocate for social justice issues, and it’s likely that she will continue to be an advocate for change in whatever path she chooses to follow.

For fans, the loss of Ashlyn Watkins is not just about what she brought to the court but also about the personal connection they felt with her. She was one of the shining stars of a program that had become a symbol of excellence in women’s sports. Her work ethic, dedication, and drive had made her a fan favorite, and she will be sorely missed by the South Carolina faithful.

Nonetheless, Ashlyn Watkins’ decision to step away from the game reflects the larger realities of college athletics, where players must sometimes choose to pursue paths that align with their personal goals and well-being. As fans, we may never fully understand the motivations behind her decision, but we can respect her for taking ownership of her journey and making a choice that feels right for her future.

As for the Gamecocks, the 2025/26 season is now an open chapter, one that will surely feature new opportunities for other players to step up and continue South Carolina’s championship legacy. The departure of Ashlyn Watkins is a setback, but under the leadership of Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks will remain a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball.