ESPN Report: Chloe Kitts Poised to Lead Gamecocks Frontcourt in 2025–26 as Dawn Staley’s Program Reloads…Read More…..

The South Carolina Gamecocks have long been one of the dominant forces in women’s college basketball, and as they prepare for the 2025–26 season, one name continues to rise to the forefront: Chloe Kitts. According to an ESPN feature, the 6-foot-2 forward is expected to play a central role in Dawn Staley’s plans as the Gamecocks look to reload after another deep postseason run.

Kitts, a former five-star recruit out of Florida, arrived in Columbia with lofty expectations. Now entering her senior season, she has steadily grown into one of South Carolina’s most reliable contributors, showcasing a blend of scoring touch, rebounding grit, and quiet leadership that has turned her from a supporting piece into a cornerstone of the program.

A Journey of Growth

When Kitts first enrolled early at South Carolina, bypassing her final year of high school, her minutes were limited. She averaged just over a point per game as a freshman while adjusting to the speed and physicality of the college game. For many young players, that kind of adjustment can take years.

But Kitts refused to be defined by a quiet start. By her sophomore season, she emerged as a starter, averaging over nine points and nearly six rebounds per game while shooting above 50 percent from the floor. Her junior year saw further growth: 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and almost two assists per game — all while maintaining her efficiency and becoming a consistent presence in the Gamecocks’ frontcourt rotation.

Dawn Staley has praised her forward’s persistence and evolution. “Chloe’s really come into her own,” Staley said during last season’s SEC Tournament. “She understands now what it means to be a Gamecock — the work, the sacrifice, and the consistency you need to play at this level.”

The Work Behind the Rise

Kitts’ leap wasn’t accidental. During the offseason before her junior year, she committed to a new training program inspired by NBA regimens, trimming nearly 20 pounds and improving her conditioning. The result was visible on the court: quicker movements in transition, sharper defensive positioning, and more energy late in games.

“Honestly, I just wanted to show I could keep up with the best,” Kitts said in an interview. “Playing for Coach Staley means you’re competing with and against the top players every day. I knew I had to raise my game.”

Her physical transformation combined with her natural instincts around the basket has made her a matchup problem for opponents. She’s strong enough to bang in the post but mobile enough to step out and hit mid-range jumpers or guard quicker forwards on the perimeter.

Filling Big Shoes

The 2025–26 season presents a new challenge for the Gamecocks, as several key contributors from last year’s team — including Te-Hina Paopao, Sania Feagin, and Bree Hall — are no longer on the roster. The departures, along with MiLaysia Fulwiley’s transfer, leave both production and leadership voids.

That’s where Kitts comes in. With her experience and upward trajectory, she will be asked not only to provide scoring and rebounding but also to take on a more vocal leadership role. For a team that just fell short of a national championship last season, having a senior leader who has already been tested on the sport’s biggest stage is invaluable.

“Chloe’s got the demeanor of someone her teammates trust,” ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo said in a preseason breakdown. “She doesn’t have to be flashy — her steadiness, her growth, and her willingness to do the little things make her the type of player every championship team needs.”

Balancing a Reloaded Roster

South Carolina is hardly short on talent heading into the new season. The addition of Florida State transfer Ta’Niya Latson — one of the nation’s top scorers — and 6-foot-6 center Madina Okot from Mississippi State gives the Gamecocks new firepower and size. Highly touted recruits like Ayla McDowell and Agot Makeer add depth and potential.

But while newcomers bring excitement, it’s the veterans like Kitts who provide balance. Her ability to mesh with Latson’s scoring and Okot’s interior defense will be key to South Carolina’s chemistry. If the pieces fit, the Gamecocks could once again find themselves in the Final Four conversation.

Looking Ahead

For Kitts, the 2025–26 season is more than just a senior campaign — it’s a chance to cement her legacy. South Carolina has produced numerous stars under Dawn Staley’s tenure, from A’ja Wilson to Aliyah Boston, and while Kitts may not carry the same spotlight, her impact could be just as significant in the Gamecocks’ pursuit of another national championship.

“I don’t care about numbers or headlines,” Kitts said earlier this summer. “I just want to win. That’s always been the goal.”

As South Carolina reloads for another run, Chloe Kitts stands ready to anchor the frontcourt, provide leadership, and continue her steady climb toward stardom. For the Gamecocks, her presence could be the difference between simply competing and cutting down nets.