While the South Carolina Gamecocks emerged as one of the premier NCAA teams after facing the UConn Huskies in this season’s national championship, things have recently taken a grim turn for head coach Dawn Staley and her team. Star forward Ashlyn Watkins suffered an ACL tear during the second quarter of a key matchup against Mississippi State, forcing her to miss the remainder of the season.
But the challenges didn’t stop there. Watkins recently released a public statement informing that, following the events of last season, she has decided not to return to play for the Gamecocks this year. Her announcement prompted head coach Dawn Staley to break her silence on the matter.
National reporter Matt Dowell shared Coach Staley’s response via X, posting a screenshot of her official statement along with the caption, “Statement from Dawn Staley on Ashlyn Watkins’ announcement.”
Statement from Dawn Staley on Ashlyn Watkins’ announcement:@GamecockWBB | @wachfox https://t.co/ZqJLcWVb9E pic.twitter.com/JAsu8WFE5M
— Matt Dowell (@MattDowellTV) July 25, 2025
“Everyone in our program is as valued as the whole of who they are, not just as a player or coach or staff member,” HC Dawn Staley said.
(This is a developing story…)
The post Dawn Staley Breaks Silence on Star Forward’s Demand for Locker Room Break Exceeding 151 Days appeared first on EssentiallySports.
