South Carolina women’s basketball is preparing for a season of high expectations, but the program will now have to do so without one of its most dynamic players. Junior forward Ashlyn Watkins, one of head coach Dawn Staley’s rising stars, has announced that she will be stepping away from the team for the entire 2025-2026 season.
Watkins made her decision public through a social media post, where she shared that she would be taking a break from basketball for personal reasons. While she didn’t go into full detail, the message was clear — this is not a permanent goodbye, but a necessary pause to focus on herself. Her absence will certainly be felt by the Gamecock squad as they gear up for what many anticipated to be another deep postseason run.
The announcement has sent ripples through the South Carolina fanbase, as Watkins was expected to be a key piece of the Gamecocks’ frontcourt. Known for her elite athleticism, rim protection, and rebounding ability, Watkins had grown into a versatile and dependable presence on both ends of the court. Her high-flying blocks and highlight-worthy finishes have made her a fan favorite and a staple in the team’s success over the past two seasons.
In her sophomore year, Watkins played a vital role in South Carolina’s impressive regular season, helping the team remain one of the dominant forces in women’s college basketball. She had continued to develop under Coach Staley’s guidance, and there was considerable buzz about her taking an even larger role heading into her junior campaign.
Watkins’ departure from the court this season doesn’t just affect the Gamecocks in terms of talent — it alters the dynamic of the team’s roster. South Carolina, already facing the challenge of integrating younger players and navigating the post-Aliyah Boston era, now has to reconfigure its rotation and leadership structure without Watkins in the mix.
Despite the setback, Coach Dawn Staley and her staff are known for their adaptability and depth. South Carolina has consistently brought in top recruiting classes and developed talent across the board. While Watkins’ break is undoubtedly a blow, the Gamecocks are still equipped with experienced players and promising newcomers who will be called upon to step up.
More importantly, Watkins’ decision underscores a growing and important theme in college athletics: the need for mental and physical wellness to be prioritized alongside performance. Her courage to step back from the spotlight in order to focus on personal well-being has been met with overwhelming support from fans, teammates, and fellow athletes.
While she won’t be suiting up this season, Watkins’ future with the program remains open-ended. The hope is that with time away, she can return refreshed, stronger, and ready to pick up where she left off.
For now, the Gamecocks will rally in her absence and continue their pursuit of excellence. But no matter what unfolds this season, Ashlyn Watkins’ health and happiness will remain at the forefront — just as it should be in any team centered on true success.