The South Carolina Gamecocks tipped off their 2025-26 season on Monday with the first official practice of the year. All 11 available players were present during the media-accessible portion — with one notable exception.
Ashlyn Watkins, the dynamic forward whose highlight dunks and rim protection helped define South Carolina’s frontcourt, was absent. Her absence, however, was no surprise. Back in July, Watkins announced she would be taking a year away from basketball, choosing to focus on recovery and personal well-being before returning in 2026-27.
Watkins’ Statement
In her summer announcement, Watkins made clear her gratitude and long-term commitment to the program:
“I’m so grateful for my coaches, the USC medical team, my teammates, and everyone who’s supported me along the way. For now, I’ll be cheering on my team and working hard to come back even stronger in the 2026-27 season.”
Watkins is not currently enrolled in school but is continuing her rehab with the team following an ACL tear suffered early in SEC play last January.
Dawn Staley’s Support
Head coach Dawn Staley addressed Watkins’ status after Monday’s practice, emphasizing both support and perspective.
“I think she’ll come back,” Staley said. “She’s rehabbing with us. As much as we can see her, we see her. I text her often just to check up on her. And everything’s going according to plan. And it’s what she needs at this time.”
Staley praised Watkins for making a difficult choice:
“Obviously it’s hard because basketball is a big part of what an athlete does. But the mental part of it, too, is draining. And if your mentals isn’t right, it’s going to have a compound effect. I think it’s pretty brave of her to be able to do something like this.”
Back in July, Staley also released a public statement assuring that South Carolina would “be here when [Watkins] is ready to return.”
A Tumultuous 2024-25 Season
The last campaign was anything but smooth for Watkins. She was suspended for the season opener following an arrest in August (all charges were later dismissed). She went on to appear in 14 games before her ACL injury cut the season short. At the time, she was averaging 7.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, anchoring the Gamecocks’ defense in the paint.
By April’s Final Four, Staley reported Watkins’ recovery was “going smoothly,” with expectations that she could return to limited on-court work by mid-to-late summer. That timeline shifted when Watkins announced her decision to step away entirely on July 25.
Looking Ahead
For the Gamecocks, the season ahead begins with clarity: Watkins will not play in 2025-26, but her presence remains around the program through rehab and team support. Her planned return in 2026-27 gives South Carolina and its fan base a long-term target — while also serving as a reminder of the importance of both physical and mental recovery in high-level college basketball.
As Staley put it, the Gamecocks are prepared to move forward together: “She’s brave, and we’ll be here when she’s ready.”
