Three South Carolina Gamecocks Taken in WNBA Draft: A Historic Moment for Women’s Basketball

In a landmark moment for the South Carolina Gamecocks and women’s basketball, three of their standout players were selected in the 2025 WNBA Draft, marking a historic achievement for the program and further cementing its place as a powerhouse in college basketball. The draft, which saw Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Brea Beal all being selected by WNBA teams, is a testament to the hard work, talent, and dedication of these players, as well as the continued rise of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley.

This remarkable achievement not only underscores the development of top-tier players but also speaks volumes about the commitment to excellence within the Gamecocks’ basketball program. Having three players chosen in the same draft class reflects the program’s ability to produce professional-level talent year after year, a feat that is not just rare, but also indicative of the immense talent pool that has flourished under Staley’s leadership.

In this article, we will celebrate the achievements of these three outstanding women, explore the significance of their selections for both South Carolina and the WNBA, and examine how their professional careers are poised to impact the future of women’s basketball.

A Historic Draft: Three South Carolina Gamecocks Selected

For South Carolina, the 2025 WNBA Draft will be remembered as a milestone in the program’s history. The selection of Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Brea Beal signals the next stage in their basketball careers, a testament to their excellence and a crowning achievement in their time as Gamecocks. The trio, each of whom played pivotal roles in leading South Carolina to national prominence, will now represent the Gamecocks on the professional stage, continuing the program’s tradition of developing elite players.

Aliyah Boston: A #1 Overall Pick

The centerpiece of South Carolina’s championship-caliber team over the past several seasons, Aliyah Boston, was selected first overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. Boston’s selection as the number one pick was a culmination of her incredible college career, marked by two NCAA championships (2022 and 2023), numerous individual accolades, and an undeniable presence on the court. A dominant force in the post and a defensive powerhouse, Boston’s selection comes as no surprise, given her impressive resume, which includes AP Player of the Year honors, SEC Player of the Year titles, and the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award.

Over the course of her career at South Carolina, Boston transformed the Gamecocks into a perennial title contender and a juggernaut in women’s basketball. Her ability to control the paint both offensively and defensively has set her apart from others in her class, and she has often been regarded as one of the most complete players in college basketball. Standing at 6-foot-5, Boston has the rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ that has made her one of the most highly sought-after players in the draft.

Her selection by the Indiana Fever, a team on the rise with young talent, is seen as a perfect match. Boston’s leadership and defensive versatility will be critical to the Fever’s future success, as she will anchor their defense while also contributing as a reliable scorer. With her impeccable rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, combined with her offensive skill set, Boston is expected to make an immediate impact in the WNBA. Her transition from college to professional basketball will be exciting to watch, as she has all the tools to become a key player in the league for years to come.

Zia Cooke: A Dynamic Scorer

Zia Cooke, another key piece of South Carolina’s success, was selected in the first round by the Seattle Storm, adding to the excitement of the night. Known for her scoring ability, athleticism, and competitive spirit, Cooke was instrumental in the Gamecocks’ offensive schemes, often providing a scoring spark when needed. Throughout her career at South Carolina, she became known for her ability to score from anywhere on the court, with a particular flair for clutch performances in high-pressure situations.

Cooke’s versatility as a scorer, her leadership on the court, and her ability to create her own shot made her one of the most dynamic guards in the nation. She had a standout career with the Gamecocks, where she played a key role in their national championship runs, showcasing her ability to rise to the occasion in big games. Her combination of quickness, ball-handling, and shooting range will be valuable assets for the Seattle Storm, a team with championship aspirations that could greatly benefit from her ability to score in a variety of ways.

As a playoff contender in the WNBA, the Storm are looking to bolster their backcourt with a dynamic scorer, and Cooke is the perfect fit. She will join forces with veteran players and a young core, and her ability to space the floor and make timely shots will complement Seattle’s high-paced offense. Cooke’s experience in pressure-packed environments will be crucial as she adjusts to the professional game, and fans can expect her to make an immediate impact in her rookie season.

Brea Beal: The Defensive Specialist

Completing the trifecta of Gamecocks selected in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Brea Beal, known for her defensive prowess, was taken by the Minnesota Lynx. While Beal’s scoring may not have been as high-profile as Boston’s or Cooke’s, her defensive ability made her one of the most respected players in college basketball. As one of the top perimeter defenders in the country, Beal’s ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses played a pivotal role in South Carolina’s dominance on defense.

Beal’s versatility as a defender, combined with her high basketball IQ and ability to contribute as a secondary scorer, makes her an ideal fit for the Minnesota Lynx, a team that values defensive versatility. Beal is the kind of player who can change the course of a game with her lockdown defense, and her presence on the floor will help the Lynx become even more formidable defensively. Her ability to guard the best players on the opposing team while also contributing as a secondary offensive option will be an asset to Minnesota as they look to challenge for another WNBA title.

Beyond her defense, Beal’s leadership and experience on a championship-caliber team will make her a valuable asset to the Lynx’s young core. Her professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to getting better each day will be invaluable as she transitions into the WNBA. The Lynx’s development of their young talent will be bolstered by Beal’s maturity, and fans can expect her to make an immediate impact, especially on the defensive end.

The Impact of Their Selections on South Carolina and the WNBA

The selection of Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Brea Beal in the 2025 WNBA Draft is not just a victory for the individual players but also a testament to the growth of the South Carolina Gamecocks and the impact they’ve had on women’s college basketball. Under the guidance of Dawn Staley, South Carolina has become a national powerhouse, known for its defense, high-intensity play, and ability to develop talent into WNBA-caliber players. This draft night exemplifies the success of Staley’s coaching and the program’s ability to produce professional-level talent.

For South Carolina, the presence of three players in the WNBA Draft highlights the program’s ability to develop top-tier athletes year after year. These players have been key contributors to the Gamecocks’ national titles and Final Four appearances, and their selections in the WNBA Draft are a reflection of their growth and the environment Staley has created at South Carolina.

Moreover, the selections of Boston, Cooke, and Beal signal the continued rise of women’s basketball, both on the collegiate and professional levels. With the WNBA growing in popularity and the global spotlight on women’s sports continuing to shine brighter, these players will become role models for the next generation of basketball stars. Their paths to the WNBA inspire young athletes and demonstrate that with hard work, determination, and a commitment to excellence, anything is possible.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the WNBA and South Carolina

As Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Brea Beal begin their professional careers, the future of both South Carolina women’s basketball and the WNBA looks bright. These players represent the next generation of women’s basketball talent, and their success in the WNBA will only serve to inspire more athletes to pursue their dreams at the highest levels of the sport.

For South Carolina, this draft class is yet another affirmation of the program’s commitment to excellence. Under Dawn Staley, South Carolina has not only become a dominant force in college basketball but also an incubator for future professional stars. As these athletes transition to the professional level, the Gamecocks will continue to recruit and develop new talent that will carry the program’s success into the future.

In the WNBA, Boston, Cooke, and Beal will each bring their own unique skill sets to their respective teams, further elevating the league’s level of play. With these three athletes now entering the WNBA, the league will continue to grow in terms of both talent and visibility, and fans can look forward to watching these former Gamecocks leave their mark on the professional stage.