There’s one major reason why South Carolina has become a women’s basketball powerhouse over the last decade or so and that’s Dawn Staley.

When it comes to the best college basketball states, North Carolina comes up in conversation  a lot. No doubt the Tarheels and Duke have a storied history in the NCAA. Thanks to their combined 11 NCAA titles and big name players like Michael Jordan, Kyrie Irving, Vince Carter,  Zion Williamson, and Christian Laettner, NC Betting Apps are a good option when the championship odds come out. 

On the women’s side, don’t sleep on South Carolina. They’ve had a spectacular run and built an amazing program in the last decade. They’ve attracted several of the top prospects in A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston, two players that eventually were drafted #1 to the WNBA. 

The 12 Best South Carolina Basketball Players (Womens)

The fact that the Gamecock’s women’s basketball program is now a perennial contender speaks to Staley’s strategic brilliance and her consistent, deep commitment to her players. Since taking over the program in 2008, Staley has built a culture of excellence, guiding the Gamecocks to three national championships and turning them into an annual champion contender usually reserved for Blue Bloods like UConn, Tennessee, Baylor, Stanford and Notre Dame. 

And with success comes highly-ranked players to continue that university’s on-court winning. It’s a cycle that keeps the top programs at the top. We saw that with UConn when the Lady Huskies won 10 NCAA championships in 16 years by bringing in players like Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart and Tina Charles. 

Now thanks to Staley, South Carolina’s is having a run of their own. Here’s a list of the 12 best South Carolina women’s basketball players, highlighting their contributions, accomplishments and championships on the Columbia, South Carolina campus.

#1 A’ja Wilson

Widely considered the greatest player in South Carolina history, A’ja Wilson led the Gamecocks to their first national championship in 2017. She was a two-time SEC Player of the Year, a three-time All-American, and won the Naismith College Player of the Year in 2018.

#2 Aliyah Boston

A dominant force in the paint, Aliyah Boston was the 2021 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and led the Gamecocks to multiple Final Four appearances, including a national championship in 2022. She’s a three-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a multiple-time All-American.

#3 Kamila Cardoso

Considered one of South Carolina’s best players in program history due to her remarkable achievements and accolades during her time with the Gamecocks. Standing out as a dominant force in the paint, Cardoso has earned several awards, including being named to the All-SEC First Team and SEC All-Defensive Team. Her defensive skills, particularly in shot-blocking and rebounding, have made her a cornerstone of the team’s success. She played a crucial role in leading South Carolina to multiple SEC championships and deep runs in the NCAA tournament, further solidifying her legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats.

#4 Tyasha Harris

Known for her clutch play and leadership, Tyasha Harris was the floor general during the Gamecocks’ 2020 and 2022 successful campaigns. She was an All-SEC performer and helped guide the team to multiple deep tournament runs.

#5 Tiffany Mitchell

A two-time SEC Player of the Year, Mitchell was instrumental in South Carolina’s rise to national prominence. She led the Gamecocks to their first Final Four in 2015 and was a three-time All-American.

#6 Zia Cooke

A key player in the Gamecocks’ 2022 national championship team, Zia Cooke’s scoring ability and leadership have been pivotal in South Carolina’s recent success. She has been a consistent scorer and an emotional leader on the court.

#7 Allisha Gray

In her one season with the Gamecocks, Gray was an essential part of the 2017 national championship team, Gray was known for her versatility and defensive prowess. She was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2017 Final Four.

#8 Alaina Coates

A dominant center, Coates was a double-double machine and one of the most efficient players in South Carolina history. She was a four-time All-SEC selection and a key player in the Gamecocks’ rise to national prominence.

#9 Khadijah Sessions

A gritty guard known for her defensive tenacity and leadership, Sessions was a crucial part of South Carolina’s early success under Dawn Staley, including their 2015 Final Four run.

#10 Laeticia Amihere

A versatile forward who has been a key contributor to South Carolina’s recent success, Amihere’s ability to play multiple positions and impact the game on both ends of the floor has made her a standout player.

11. Asia Dozier

A steady and reliable player during her time with the Gamecocks, Dozier was part of the core group that helped establish South Carolina as a national power in women’s basketball.

12. Bree Beal

Known for her lockdown defense and ability to guard multiple positions, Beal was a key part of the Gamecocks’ success in recent years, including their 2022 national championship run.

Staley’s approach to coaching is both demanding and nurturing, as she emphasizes discipline and hard work while building strong, personal relationships with her players. “Coach Staley has never changed in the years that I’ve known her, and I don’t see her changing at all,” Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson told Andscape, highlighting the consistency and authenticity that have defined Staley’s leadership.

Staley’s coaching philosophy revolves around empowering her players and fostering a sense of unity and purpose. She is known for her motivational team mottos, which she tailors each season to reflect the team’s goals and challenges. “Her mindset is that she wanted to win a national championship because she didn’t do it as a player even though she got the opportunity several times. She just never won it,” recalls former player Markeshia Grant.

 This drive to achieve what eluded her as a player fuels Staley’s relentless pursuit of excellence, and her players buy into her vision, knowing that she believes in their potential to achieve greatness. Through this approach, Staley has not only built a winning program but also inspired a generation of players and coaches to strive for success beyond the basketball court.