The many travels of Ta’Niya Latson reflect her journey through elite basketball programs, showcasing talent, growth, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
In the ever-evolving landscape of women’s college basketball, few stories are as compelling as that of Ta’Niya Latson. From her early days in Florida to becoming the NCAA’s leading scorer and now joining the South Carolina Gamecocks, Latson’s journey is a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Early Life and High School Stardom
Born and raised in Florida, Ta’Niya Latson’s basketball journey began at American Heritage High School in Plantation. Her high school career was nothing short of spectacular. Leading her team to a Class 5A state title, she earned prestigious honors such as Miss Basketball, Gatorade Player of the Year, and Class 5A Player of the Year for Florida. Her exceptional performance earned her a spot in the McDonald’s All-American Game, and she was rated a five-star recruit by ESPN. With offers from top programs like Baylor, Georgia, Kentucky, Miami, NC State, Texas, and Virginia Tech, Latson’s decision to commit to Florida State University was a significant moment in her career .
A Stellar Career at Florida State
Upon joining Florida State, Latson quickly made her mark. In her freshman season, she averaged 21.3 points per game, setting the ACC single-season freshman scoring record with 659 total points. This performance earned her ACC Rookie of the Year honors and a spot on the All-ACC First Team. Her scoring prowess continued in her sophomore year, where she averaged 21.4 points per game and became the second Florida State player in school history to score more than 700 points in a season .
In her junior year, Latson’s game reached new heights. She led the nation in scoring with 25.2 points per game, becoming the all-time leading scorer in Florida State basketball history with a career total of 2,095 points. Her remarkable achievements included setting a single-season scoring record with 731 points, surpassing the previous mark held by Sue Galkantas .
The Transfer Portal Decision
Despite her individual success, Latson entered the transfer portal in March 2025, seeking new challenges and opportunities. Her decision was influenced by a desire to win a national championship and to continue her academic journey. The move was a significant moment in her career, signaling her readiness to take on new challenges and elevate her game to the next level .
Joining the South Carolina Gamecocks
In April 2025, Ta’Niya Latson made a pivotal decision to transfer to the University of South Carolina, joining the Gamecocks under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley. This move reunited her with former high school teammate Raven Johnson, creating an exciting backcourt duo for the Gamecocks. Latson’s scoring ability addresses a key need for South Carolina, providing them with a dynamic offensive weapon to complement their strong defensive prowess .
Impact at South Carolina
Latson’s arrival at South Carolina has been met with high expectations. Her scoring ability, combined with her experience and leadership, is expected to significantly enhance the Gamecocks’ performance in the upcoming season. Her presence adds depth to the team’s roster and provides a potent offensive threat, making South Carolina a formidable contender in women’s college basketball.
Off-Court Contributions and NIL Deals
Beyond her on-court achievements, Ta’Niya Latson has also made significant strides off the court. She has secured several high-profile NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, including partnerships with Capital BMW, Powerade, HighlightHER, and Rising Spear. These endorsements not only reflect her marketability but also her influence in promoting women’s sports and empowering female athletes .
Looking Ahead
As Ta’Niya Latson embarks on this new chapter with the South Carolina Gamecocks, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of seizing opportunities, and the impact of making bold decisions in the pursuit of greatness.
With her exceptional talent, leadership, and determination, Ta’Niya Latson is poised to leave an indelible mark on women’s college basketball, continuing her legacy as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
