Dawn Staley’s Recruiting for South Carolina Women’s Basketball 2026 Class

As the head coach of the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team, Dawn Staley has made a name for herself not only through her success on the court but also through her exceptional ability to recruit top-tier talent. South Carolina has consistently been one of the most dominant teams in NCAA women’s basketball, and Staley’s recruiting prowess is a key reason for that. As we look ahead to the 2026 recruiting class, the Gamecocks are already shaping up to land some of the most sought-after prospects in the nation.

Before delving into the specifics of the 2026 recruiting class, it’s important to understand the context of Dawn Staley’s program. Since taking over as head coach in 2008, Staley has transformed South Carolina into one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have won multiple SEC championships and secured NCAA tournament appearances year after year. The crowning achievement came in 2017 when South Carolina won its first NCAA National Championship under Staley’s watch. The Gamecocks followed up with another title in 2022, solidifying their place as one of the elite programs in the country.

Staley’s success has been built on a foundation of tough defense, disciplined play, and a commitment to player development. She has also been a trailblazer in terms of advocating for women’s sports and ensuring that her players are prepared for success both on and off the court. This level of success, combined with her track record of developing players into WNBA draft picks and professional stars, has made South Carolina a destination for top recruits across the country.

Staley’s approach to recruiting has always been one of relationship-building. She has a unique ability to connect with recruits and their families, understanding that the decision to commit to a school is not just about basketball, but about finding the right fit. She is known for being transparent in the recruiting process, setting clear expectations about what it takes to succeed at South Carolina and the level of commitment required.

One of Staley’s key strategies is her emphasis on bringing in players who fit into the team culture. She looks for players who are not only talented on the court but also have the right mindset and work ethic. This approach has led to South Carolina signing recruits who are willing to put in the work and who will buy into the team’s goals and values.

Staley is also known for her ability to recruit in-state talent, something that has been crucial in building the Gamecocks into a national powerhouse. By identifying and cultivating relationships with top South Carolina players, Staley has ensured that the state remains a hotbed for Gamecock recruits. However, she has also proven her ability to land talent from all over the country, tapping into other recruiting hotbeds like California, Texas, and the East Coast.

While it’s still early in the recruiting process for the 2026 class, several top prospects have already garnered attention from the Gamecocks. These recruits represent the next generation of players who could help maintain South Carolina’s elite status on the national stage. Some of the top players being recruited for the 2026 class are:

Although technically a member of the 2025 class, Lauren Jacobs has already caught the attention of South Carolina coaches as a future prospect for the Gamecocks. Jacobs is a dynamic guard/forward from Heathwood Hall in Columbia, South Carolina, and is widely regarded as one of the top high school players in the state. Known for her scoring ability, Jacobs averaged 31.5 points per game during her junior season and has become a prolific force in both high school and AAU basketball.

Jacobs has been offered by South Carolina and is heavily considered one of the future cornerstones for the Gamecocks’ program. With her exceptional basketball IQ and scoring prowess, Jacobs is someone who could make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. Additionally, Jacobs is part of an AAU team sponsored by former Gamecock A’ja Wilson, which could further enhance her connection to the South Carolina program.

Another highly regarded recruit in the Staley-era pipeline is 6’3” forward Chloe Kitts, who committed to South Carolina after a fierce recruiting battle with other programs like Arizona, Louisville, and Duke. Kitts is a versatile forward from Orlando, Florida, and brings a combination of size, skill, and athleticism that is hard to ignore. She was a standout player for the USA Basketball U18 National Team and was instrumental in helping the team win a gold medal at the 2022 U18 FIBA Americas Championship.

Kitts is known for her rebounding ability, scoring touch, and defensive versatility. At South Carolina, she’ll bring an added dimension to an already stout frontcourt. Her skill set complements the Gamecocks’ playing style, and her commitment is a sign of the program’s ongoing appeal to top-tier recruits across the country.

MiLaysia Fulwiley is a highly touted guard out of Keenan High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Standing at 5’7”, Fulwiley has made a name for herself with her impressive scoring and playmaking abilities. In her high school career, she has averaged over 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists per game, showcasing her all-around game. Fulwiley has already surpassed the 2,000-point mark in her high school career and is considered one of the top guards in the nation for the 2024 class.

Fulwiley’s ability to score from anywhere on the floor and her leadership on the court have made her a priority recruit for South Carolina. She has been offered by the Gamecocks and is expected to be a key player in their backcourt rotation in the coming years. Her tenacity and offensive game make her a perfect fit for the up-tempo, defensively intense system that Staley runs.

As the 2026 class develops, it is clear that Dawn Staley will continue to recruit the best and brightest talent across the country. While specific commitments are still to be finalized, several high-profile recruits have already received offers from South Carolina. These players are likely to be part of the future of Gamecock basketball and could help sustain the program’s dominance in the SEC and on the national stage.

Some of the key traits that Staley looks for in her recruits include athleticism, versatility, and a commitment to playing hard on both ends of the court. As South Carolina continues to build for the future, it is clear that Staley’s recruiting success will remain integral to the program’s ability to compete for national championships.

Looking ahead to the 2026 class, South Carolina’s recruiting future appears bright. The program is coming off a national championship in 2022 and has a strong group of returning players, including some of the top names in women’s college basketball. As the Gamecocks continue to build their roster, Staley’s focus on player development and program culture will undoubtedly attract more top-tier recruits who want to be part of something special.

The 2026 recruiting class will likely feature a blend of high school players, with many of them coming from the fertile recruiting grounds of the Southeast. However, as Staley’s national reputation grows, it is also likely that she will continue to target players from across the country who fit into her system.

Dawn Staley’s ability to recruit top talent has been a critical component in making South Carolina women’s basketball a powerhouse. As she looks to the 2026 recruiting class, it’s clear that South Carolina will continue to be a formidable force in the world of women’s college basketball. With a mix of in-state talent, out-of-state stars, and the continued commitment to player development, the Gamecocks are poised to maintain their status as one of the premier programs in the country for years to come.