How Dawn Staley overcame slow start, built loaded 2026 South Carolina recruiting class
South Carolina women's basketball coach didn't have any 2026 commits by Oct. 1 but now has one of the best classes in the country. Here's how.
COLUMBIA — Dawn Staley was patient and it paid off. Last fall, concern grew among South Carolina women's basketball fans when recruits began passing on the Gamecocks. The No.
1 overall recruit Saniyah Hall took an official visit but went with Southern Cal. No. 2 Olivia Vukosa picked UConn but had South Carolina in her final five.
The No. 7 McKenna Woliczko was heavily recruited by Staley but went with Iowa. No.
3 Oliviyah Edwards was scheduled for a visit in September but committed to Tennessee six days before. In early October, Staley slowly started building her 2026 class starting with four-star forward Kelsi Andrews . But at SEC Media Days, Staley made a playful comment about only having one commit so far when asked a general question about recruiting.