South Carolina remains one of the top programs in women’s college basketball this season, ranking second in the weekly AP Top 25 poll behind defending national champion UConn. Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks are 3-0 and have beaten their opponents in the nonconference phase of the regular season by an average of 45.0 points per game.
They’re doing this despite the injuries suffered by Ashlyn Watkins, Chloe Kitts, Agot Makeer and Maddy McDaniel, who was suspended on Tuesday before their game against Clemson. However, despite the team’s recent health misfortunes, South Carolina remains one of the top destinations for women’s basketball talent, with the signings of two five-star prospects that caught Staley by surprise.
Dawn Staley’s 2026–27 Talent Pool Deepens With the Signings of Kaeli Wynn, Kelsi Andrews
South Carolina continues to build on its 2026-27 women’s college basketball season, signing up Kaeli Wynn and Kelsi Andrews. California-based Wynn ranks No. 18 in the 2026 cycle and No. 1 nationally among small forwards, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. She is also considered a five-star prospect by ESPN.
Staley described Wynn as “a perfect fit for our program” due to her high basketball IQ and appreciation for the game’s intangibles. She also admitted that the small forward’s commitment to the Gamecocks caught her by surprise.
“Coming from a basketball family, Kaeli’s IQ and appreciation for the game’s intricacies add another level to her physical skill set,” Staley posted on X. “She has an unbelievable will to win, but her ability to involve everyone on the team and ensure buy-in to the team goals are what separates her from her peers. She’s a perfect fit for our program.”
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Meanwhile, Andrews is ranked No. 20 overall in the Rivals’ class of 2026 board. She is fourth among power forwards and second regardless of position in the state of Florida. ESPN HoopGurlz rates her as a five-star recruit just like Wynn.
Staley noted that the 6’3″ forward fits perfectly into the Gamecocks’ system as she brings a unique combination of size, skill and versatility.
“Her basketball IQ, defensive presence and resilience make her a special addition to our Gamecock family,” the three-time national champion coach said. “And, with her ability to score inside and stretch the floor with her 3-point shot and impact the game on both ends of the court, she has the potential to continue our legacy of elite frontcourt players.”
Andrews, however, is expected to either join South Carolina next season as a redshirt freshman or be a late practice participant during offseason preparations. She recently underwent successful surgery to repair her torn meniscus and bone cartilage in her knee after suffering the injury. This was her third major injury, following ACL tears in 2022 (right knee) and 2023 (left knee). No timetable has been announced for her return.
Meanwhile, South Carolina is still looking to add one or two players from the high school ranks. Reportedly, it’s pursuing No. 3 high school prospect Jerzy Robinson. The Sierra Canyon combo guard is also being offered by LSU and defending champion UConn.
Looking ahead, Raven Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson, Maryam Dauda and Madina Okot will run out of eligibility next season. This forces Staley to dig deep into the transfer portal and high school recruitment. Having Andrews and Wynn on its 2026-27 roster provides them with the foundation to build a strong team for next year’s campaign.
