COLUMBIA, S.C. – The University of South Carolina's women's basketball team has much to celebrate as four players have earned All-America honors for the 2024-2025 season. On March 19, 2025, junior Chloe Kitts and freshman Joyce Edwards were named honorable mention All-Americans by both the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) and the Associated Press (AP), while senior Te-Hina Paopao and sophomore MiLaysia Fulwiley received the same recognition from the AP. This achievement marks the third time in program history that South Carolina has had four players recognized in this way and the second time in just three seasons. Additionally, it signifies the 12th consecutive season with at least one All-American, dating back to head coach Dawn Staley's inaugural season in 2013-14 when Tiffany Mitchell and Aleighsa Welch first earned the honor.
Kitts has distinguished herself this year as the Gamecocks' top rebounder, averaging a career-high 7.88 rebounds per game, ranking ninth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and elevating her numbers to 8.25 rebounds per game in SEC contests, placing her fourth in the league. In addition to her rebounding, she has scored an impressive 15.6 points per game over her last five outings and even recorded a career-first triple-double against Ole Miss on February 27, 2025. This spectacular performance included 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, contributing significantly to the Gamecocks' success. Her resilience and skill led her to be named the SEC Tournament MVP, helping the team to secure its third consecutive SEC Tournament title.
Joyce Edwards, a standout freshman, has been a scoring powerhouse for South Carolina, leading the team with an average of 13.2 points per game. Edwards' consistent performance is illustrated by her statistical excellence, including a .550 field goal percentage, ranking her fourth in the SEC. Additionally, she boasts a commendable free throw percentage of .777, placing her tenth in the league. Edwards has led the Gamecocks in scoring for a total of 14 games this season, showcasing her impressive talent.
Paopao brings a unique skill set to the court as the team's primary distributor, averaging 3.0 assists per game while notching 9.8 points per game. Her leadership has been crucial for the team's success, especially early in the season when she helped shape their identity. She elevates her performance against tougher opponents with an average of 10.5 points against ranked teams, demonstrating her capability to perform under pressure.
Fulwiley, who earned the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year accolade, has made significant contributions to the team, averaging 12.0 points per game and exhibiting incredible athleticism on both ends of the court. Her strong performance in SEC games includes an average of 13.4 points per game, underscoring her vital role within the squad. Fulwiley's skills also shine through her defensive abilities, where she ranks tenth in the SEC for blocks and ninth for steals per game during league play.
Looking ahead, the Gamecocks hold the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament's Birmingham 2 Regional and will host their first-round matchup against No. 16 seed Tennessee Tech on March 21, 2025. This game represents more than just an opportunity to advance in the tournament; it's a chance for South Carolina to capitalize on its momentum heading into the NCAA Tournament. Fans are excited about the upcoming matchup, with hopes of the Gamecocks progressing further in the postseason and securing another championship title.
The journey to defend their title begins Friday, with the Gamecocks eager to showcase their skill and depth as they seek to build on this impressive season. The future looks bright for South Carolina basketball, marking a potential chapter of continued excellence following a historic year.
