The Rise of South Carolina Women’s Basketball

South Carolina Women’s Basketball has emerged as one of the most dominant programs in NCAA history, especially under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley. Since Staley’s arrival in 2008, the Gamecocks have not only transformed into an elite team but also become a breeding ground for professional talent. The moment when three or more players from South Carolina’s program are selected in the WNBA draft is not just a milestone for the individuals involved but a testament to the program’s continued excellence and influence in the women’s game. This essay will explore the significance of South Carolina’s three or more selections in the WNBA draft, the players who have been a part of this moment, and the broader impact it has had on the program, the league, and women’s basketball.

The South Carolina Women’s Basketball program has a rich history, but it was Dawn Staley’s hire in 2008 that truly marked the turning point. Staley, a former Olympic gold medalist and WNBA star, brought with her an unmatched pedigree. Under her leadership, South Carolina not only became a top contender in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) but also one of the preeminent programs in women’s college basketball. Staley’s vision for the program was clear: build a team that could compete for national championships and develop players who could thrive in the professional ranks.

By focusing on recruiting top-tier talent and fostering a competitive environment, South Carolina began to consistently produce standout players, some of whom were destined for the WNBA. These players would go on to play a pivotal role in elevating the South Carolina program to the heights it occupies today.

To understand the magnitude of having three or more players selected in a single WNBA draft, it’s important to first consider South Carolina’s historical contributions to the league. While South Carolina had always been a strong team, it wasn’t until the early 2010s that the Gamecocks truly began to make their mark on the WNBA Draft.

Before the era of frequent multiple selections, players like Allison Bales (who was drafted in 2007) and Tiffany Mitchell (2016) set the stage for South Carolina’s rising prominence in professional women’s basketball. However, it wasn’t until the 2020 WNBA Draft that South Carolina truly broke onto the national scene in terms of high draft selections.

In the 2020 WNBA Draft, three players—Tyasha Harris, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, and Leuchanka Sopo—represented South Carolina in the league, marking the beginning of an era of consistent draft selections for the program. Since then, the program has witnessed even greater success, with multiple players chosen year after year.

In 2020, the Gamecocks made history when they had three players drafted into the WNBA, a significant moment that symbolized the growing strength and depth of the program. Tyasha Harris, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, and Leuchanka Sopo were the three Gamecocks selected, cementing their place in South Carolina’s illustrious basketball legacy.

Tyasha Harris was picked 7th overall by the Dallas Wings, making her the highest-drafted South Carolina player at the time. Harris, a dynamic point guard, was known for her leadership, vision, and ability to run an offense effectively. Her selection in the first round was a major step forward for the program, showcasing not only the high level of talent produced by South Carolina but also the growing importance of college programs as pipelines for the professional game.

Mikiah Herbert Harrigan followed suit as the 17th overall pick, going to the Minnesota Lynx. Known for her athleticism, versatility, and defensive prowess, Herbert Harrigan added an extra layer of depth to the South Carolina roster in her final years and showed her skills were WNBA-ready.

Leuchanka Sopo rounded out the trio, being picked by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2nd round. While less heralded than Harris or Herbert Harrigan, Sopo played a vital role for the Gamecocks during their championship run, and her selection showed the level of talent South Carolina was producing.

Having three players selected in one WNBA draft is an incredible feat, not just for South Carolina, but for any NCAA program. It’s a reflection of a program’s ability to not only recruit elite talent but also develop that talent into professional-level players. For South Carolina, it signifies the continued evolution of the program under Coach Staley, who has built a dynasty capable of competing for championships and sending players to the pros.

South Carolina’s ability to produce WNBA-caliber players is a testament to the holistic approach Staley has implemented, from player development to fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the court. This multi-player draft success also underscores the program’s national standing, signaling to recruits that South Carolina is not only a place where you can win national titles but also a place where you can advance to the next level in your professional career.

This milestone also sets the stage for future generations of South Carolina players, demonstrating that the Gamecocks are consistently capable of producing top-tier talent. It also emphasizes the importance of building a program that is capable of sustaining long-term success, which is crucial for continued player development and recruitment.

While 2020 was a historic year for South Carolina in terms of WNBA draft selections, the program’s legacy has been built by a number of standout players who helped lay the foundation for that success. Players like A’ja Wilson, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft, played a crucial role in establishing South Carolina as a powerhouse in the league. Wilson’s selection marked a defining moment for the Gamecocks, and her continued success in the WNBA only further reinforced the program’s stature.

Other players like Tiffany Mitchell (2016, 9th overall) and Allisha Gray (2017, 4th overall) helped demonstrate the growing pool of talent coming out of South Carolina. While they may not have been a part of the three-player draft in 2020, their influence on the program cannot be overstated, as their success in the WNBA set the stage for the next generation of South Carolina stars.

South Carolina’s consistent representation in the WNBA draft is a sign of the continued growth of women’s basketball as a whole. As more players from elite college programs like South Carolina make their mark in the professional ranks, it helps elevate the status of women’s sports. The visibility of female athletes continues to grow, and the success of players from programs like South Carolina contributes to that movement.

In terms of the WNBA itself, the consistent draft picks from South Carolina have helped inject new talent into the league, pushing the competition level higher and further solidifying the WNBA as one of the premier professional women’s sports leagues in the world.

As South Carolina continues to develop top-tier talent, the future looks bright for both the program and the WNBA. With players like Zia Cooke and Aliyah Boston (who, as of the writing of this essay, are expected to be high draft picks in the near future) leading the charge, it is clear that the Gamecocks will remain a major force in women’s basketball.

For the WNBA, the increasing number of players from South Carolina ensures the league’s continued expansion, bringing in young, skilled players capable of making an immediate impact. South Carolina’s role in the development of these players and the broader ecosystem of women’s basketball is one that will continue to evolve as the game grows.

The moment when South Carolina had three or more players selected in a single WNBA draft is a milestone that signals both the program’s excellence and the increasing prominence of women’s basketball. It’s a testament to the tireless work of Dawn Staley and her staff, who have turned South Carolina into a breeding ground for future professional stars. As the program continues to thrive, we can only expect more Gamecocks to make their way to the WNBA, ensuring that South Carolina remains a powerhouse in both college and professional basketball for years to come.