MiLaysia Fulwiley of the Gamecocks was selected the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year.

MiLaysia Fulwiley’s selection as the 2025 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Sixth Woman of the Year is a well-earned recognition of her outstanding contributions to the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team. Known for her exceptional versatility, quickness, and high basketball IQ, Fulwiley has played a pivotal role in the Gamecocks’ success this season. As a player who can come off the bench and impact the game in an instant, her ability to change the dynamic of a contest has made her one of the most valuable assets on the team.

For South Carolina, Fulwiley’s role as the Sixth Woman—someone who consistently brings energy, scoring, and defense off the bench—is not just a complementary position; it’s one that has proven essential to the team’s dominance throughout the season. Her recognition as the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year is a testament to her growth as a player and the significant impact she has had on the Gamecocks’ pursuit of greatness.

In this article, we explore MiLaysia Fulwiley’s journey to becoming the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year, the qualities that make her such a vital contributor to the Gamecocks’ success, and the significance of her achievement both personally and for the team.

Early Life and Background

Born and raised in South Carolina, MiLaysia Fulwiley always had a passion for basketball. Growing up in a basketball family, she was exposed to the sport at a young age and quickly developed a love for the game. Her natural athleticism and drive to succeed propelled her through her high school career, where she played for the Richland Northeast High School team. There, she quickly made a name for herself as one of the top players in the state, earning numerous accolades and awards for her exceptional performance on the court.

Fulwiley’s speed, agility, and scoring ability made her one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the nation. Her ability to play multiple positions, whether it was as a guard or a forward, set her apart from many of her peers, and it didn’t take long for college recruiters to notice her potential. After an extensive recruitment process, Fulwiley ultimately chose to stay close to home and play for South Carolina, a decision that would prove to be a pivotal moment in her basketball career.

Joining a powerhouse program like the Gamecocks meant that Fulwiley would face tough competition for playing time, but her commitment to improving her game and her ability to contribute in various ways would ultimately earn her a spot in the rotation. What began as a journey to prove herself as a freshman would soon turn into a key role for the Gamecocks, one that would lead her to being named the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year.

The Role of a Sixth Woman

The term “Sixth Woman” may seem like a lesser role when compared to starting positions, but in reality, it is one of the most crucial roles on a basketball team. The Sixth Woman is typically a player who comes off the bench but can make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor. This player is often asked to provide a spark for the team, whether that be through scoring, defense, or leadership. The Sixth Woman is expected to bring high energy, maintain the intensity level of the team, and offer versatility by being able to play multiple positions.

MiLaysia Fulwiley has thrived in this exact role for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Her ability to come into games and instantly change the tempo has been invaluable. Whether she’s knocking down key shots, locking down opposing players on defense, or facilitating the offense, Fulwiley has demonstrated an uncanny ability to step up when her team needs her the most.

South Carolina has been able to rely on Fulwiley to keep the team’s energy high during critical moments, and her consistency has earned her the respect of both her coaches and teammates. In a season where depth and versatility have been key to the Gamecocks’ success, Fulwiley’s performance has been one of the team’s driving forces.

Fulwiley’s Impact on the Gamecocks

South Carolina’s style of play under head coach Dawn Staley is fast-paced and aggressive, with an emphasis on defense and transition play. This system is perfectly suited to MiLaysia Fulwiley’s strengths. Her speed and agility make her a dangerous player in transition, and her ability to defend multiple positions allows her to guard a variety of opposing players. Fulwiley’s athleticism has made her a crucial part of the Gamecocks’ defense, as she is often tasked with shutting down the opposing team’s most dangerous scorers when she enters the game.

Offensively, Fulwiley has been an efficient and dynamic player. She can score in multiple ways, whether it’s through driving to the basket, knocking down mid-range jumpers, or hitting three-pointers. Her versatility as a scorer gives South Carolina a reliable weapon off the bench, one that can keep defenses on their toes. Fulwiley’s ability to create her own shot, as well as her ability to set up her teammates, has made her an important piece of the Gamecocks’ offensive scheme.

Her ability to contribute in so many different facets of the game is what makes Fulwiley such a valuable asset for South Carolina. Whether she’s providing a scoring spark, playing tough defense, or simply setting the tone with her energy, Fulwiley’s contributions have had a ripple effect on the entire team. Her presence on the floor has allowed South Carolina to maintain its level of intensity and execution, no matter who is on the court.

MiLaysia Fulwiley’s Strengths

What sets MiLaysia Fulwiley apart from other players is her unique combination of attributes that make her a complete player. Here are some of the key strengths that have helped her excel in the SEC and earn the title of Sixth Woman of the Year:

1. Defensive Prowess
Fulwiley has consistently demonstrated her ability to disrupt opposing offenses with her defense. Whether it’s pressuring the ball, picking off passes, or simply staying in front of her man, Fulwiley has proven to be a nightmare for opposing players. Her lateral quickness and anticipation allow her to stay in passing lanes and force turnovers, which is crucial in South Carolina’s defense-first approach.

2. Scoring Versatility
One of the hallmarks of Fulwiley’s game is her ability to score in a variety of ways. She is not a one-dimensional player; her offensive skill set includes a reliable jump shot, an ability to drive to the basket with strength and finesse, and a growing three-point shooting ability. Fulwiley’s ability to score in multiple ways makes her an unpredictable and dangerous player on offense.

3. Basketball IQ
Fulwiley’s understanding of the game is another key factor in her success. She has a keen sense of when to attack the basket, when to set up her teammates, and when to take over a game offensively. Her high basketball IQ allows her to make smart decisions quickly, even under pressure. Her awareness on the floor enables her to adjust to any situation and contribute wherever needed.

4. Leadership and Energy
Although she comes off the bench, Fulwiley’s leadership on and off the court has been invaluable to the Gamecocks. She leads by example, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and focus every time she steps on the floor. Her attitude and work ethic are contagious, and she helps set the tone for the rest of the team. The Gamecocks rely on her to provide that spark, and Fulwiley delivers each and every time.

Significance of the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year Award

Being named the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year is a significant accomplishment for MiLaysia Fulwiley. It is a recognition of her hard work, consistency, and ability to contribute at a high level despite not starting every game. The award highlights the importance of depth on a successful team, as players like Fulwiley—who may not always start—play an essential role in the team’s overall success.

In South Carolina’s case, having a player like Fulwiley come off the bench is a luxury that not many teams have. Her ability to impact the game immediately upon entering makes her a critical component of the Gamecocks’ rotation. Her recognition as the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year is a testament to her value to the team and her development as a player under the guidance of Dawn Staley.

Fulwiley’s Future and Legacy

As MiLaysia Fulwiley continues to evolve as a player, it’s clear that her future in basketball is bright. Her work ethic, skill set, and leadership qualities make her a player with the potential to continue making a significant impact on the court. Her success in the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year race is just the beginning, as Fulwiley has shown that she is capable of taking on more responsibility as her career progresses.

Whether or not Fulwiley remains in the sixth-man role for the rest of her career at South Carolina or eventually earns a starting spot, her legacy at the university is already cemented. Her contributions to the Gamecocks’ success this season and in the future will be remembered as a key part of the program’s continued excellence under Dawn Staley.