One of Dawn Staley’s standout players just made a major announcement that’s set to shake up the Gamecocks roster once again.
Junior forward Ashlyn Watkins revealed she will not be returning to the court for the 2025-2026 season.
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She shared the news in an emotional social media post:
“As most of you know, this past year has been a roller coaster for me. I usually like to keep my personal life private, but every time I step into the community, I realize I’m not alone in this journey.”
“With everything that’s happened this year, I’m going to take some time off to focus on myself, my community, my faith, and my family, so that I can grow as an individual and attempt to master this journey of life.”
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Watkins said she plans to cheer on her team from the sidelines while working toward a return for the 2026-2027 season.
Last season, Watkins appeared in just 14 games after suffering an ACL tear. She also faced legal issues during the year, though the charges were ultimately dismissed. Now, her announcement marks a second consecutive season she’ll have to watch from the sidelines instead of suiting up.