The South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team has been rocked. Losing a key player like Chloe Kitts to a season-ending injury can feel like a knockout blow, especially with championship aspirations in mind. But head coach Dawn Staley isn't backing down. She's got a plan, and it's all about empowering her existing roster.
On October 16, 2025, Staley addressed the media about the challenge of replacing Kitts, who will miss the entire 2025/26 season due to a torn ACL in her right knee. Kitts, just 21, was a vital part of the Gamecocks' team that fought hard in last season's national championship game against Paige Bueckers and UConn. She was poised to take on an even bigger role this year. Losing her isn't just about losing her on-court contributions; it's also about the leadership and energy she brought to the locker room.
Off the court, Kitts has been enjoying a significant offseason, attending the NBA Draft with her boyfriend, Collin Murray-Boyles, who was selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors. It's a bittersweet moment for the couple, as one celebrates a major achievement while the other faces a significant setback.
But here's where it gets interesting... Staley isn't looking for a direct replacement for Kitts. She understands that what Kitts brings to the table is unique and can't be replicated by one person. "I just really need them to be themselves. Chloe is irreplaceable for what she brings so tangibly and intangibly," Staley emphasized.
Instead, Staley is focusing on the collective strength of the team. She's challenging each player to step up and contribute in their own way. She highlighted the improved play of Maryam and Adhel, and noted that Joyce, with her extensive experience, will likely shoulder a significant portion of the responsibility. "All the players on our roster, with the exception of our two transfers and our freshmen, they know what it's about. Maryam is playing extremely well. Much improved. Adhel is playing much improved. Joyce is Joyce. Joyce is going to probably take the brunt of it because she's just got more playing experience under us."
Staley wants to make it very clear that she isn't asking anyone to transform into Chloe Kitts overnight. That's simply not realistic. The goal is to redistribute the workload and responsibilities to maximize the team's overall potential.
And this is the part most people miss... Staley's confidence in her team remains unshaken. She boldly declared that the Gamecocks will enter the new season "unafraid" without Kitts. "You're not going to see us skipping a beat," she asserted. "Our players know anytime we sustain any kind of injury, we believe in the system that we put together, we believe in the players that we assembled." This speaks to Staley's strong belief in her coaching philosophy and the depth of her roster.
Staley also drew on past experiences to illustrate her point. She recalled how the Gamecocks won a national championship despite an injury to Alaina Coates. This example highlights the team's resilience and ability to overcome adversity. "If you look throughout our time at South Carolina, we haven't had very many injuries throughout my career. The times we've sustained some injuries, we won the national championship, sustaining an injury to Alaina Coates, right? We'll figure out a way and make adjustments. I'm glad, somewhat glad, this time where you don't have to make adjustments mid-season. You go with who's healthy to go."
Switching gears, Staley also touched on her own career aspirations, revealing that she interviewed for a coaching position with the New York Knicks. "It was a real interview. I like to see what they're talking about," she explained. "If there's somebody that is interested in knowing and interested in being the first female NBA coach or such, I got all the information." This demonstrates Staley's ambition and her commitment to breaking barriers in the coaching world.
Now, here's a controversial thought: Some might argue that relying on existing players without seeking external replacements through transfers could limit the Gamecocks' ceiling this season. Is Staley's unwavering faith in her current roster justified, or should she have explored other options to bolster the team's chances? Could this injury actually be an opportunity in disguise, forcing other players to develop and become stars themselves? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
