Three weeks before opening night of the 2025-26 season, the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team's pursuit of a sixth consecutive Final Four appearance has taken a serious blow.
On Monday, Oct. 13, Chloe Kitts, a senior forward and the 2025 SEC Tournament MVP, took to social media to share that she would be out for the entirety of the upcoming season with an injury. Kitts' role has grown in each of her first three seasons with the Gamecocks, and she was looking to close her career with a second national title.
Here is the latest on Kitts' injury and what it means for the Gamecocks this season.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Chloe Kitts injury update
Kitts has suffered a torn ACL in her right knee. She took to social media on Oct. 13 to share the following statement:
Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and support. I recently suffered an ACL tear and, unfortunately, will be out for this season. While this isn't how I hoped by senior season would go, I'm trusting God's timing and purpose. I'll continue to lead, support, and push my team from the sidelines. We have big things ahead!
— Chloe Kitts (@chloe1kitts) October 13, 2025
Kitts' statement confirmed speculation around her status for the season as she was spotted wearing a full leg brace on Oct. 6. Less than a week later, Kitts took to social media to provide an update.
As a junior, Kitts averaged 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, making her one of just three Gamecock players to average double digits in scoring.
MORE: How torn ACL recovery timeline impacts JuJu Watkins college, WNBA future
Notably, the media has tabbed South Carolina to finish first in the SEC in its preseason poll released on Monday, Oct. 13.
In Kitts' absence, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley will likely lean on sophomore phenom forward Joyce Edwards, while freshman guard Agot Makeer will also be looked upon to contribute right away.
Kitts will redshirt this season and will be WNBA draft-eligible in 2026, giving her the option to return to school for one more year or turn pro. Before the injury, Kitts was viewed as a first-round prospect in the 2026 draft class.
South Carolina has exhibitions scheduled against Division II Anderson (Oct. 24) and North Carolina (Oct. 30) before opening its season on Monday, Nov. 3, against Grand Canyon University.
Torn ACL recovery timeline
ACL tears require surgery to repair the ligament, and basketball players typically need nine to 12 months to recover fully.
Based on that timeline, Kitts will be returning to the court sometime between July and October 2026. As of now, the 2026 WNBA Draft will take place in April and the 2026 season will begin in May.