South Carolina women’s basketball player to take a year off from the game

South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins announced on social media Friday that she is going to sit out the 2025-26 season.Watkins averaged 7.2 points per game last season but tore her ACL in January, which sidelined her for the rest of the season.She posted the below statement on social media regarding her decision:South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley issued the below statement regarding Watkins’ decision,”Everyone in our program is valued as the whole of who they are, not just as a player or coach or staff member and not just for the time they are on our team,” Staley said. “We will support Ashlyn as she works through getting her body and mind stronger, and we will be here when she is ready to return.”

COLUMBIA, S.C. —

South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins announced on social media Friday that she is going to sit out the 2025-26 season.

Watkins averaged 7.2 points per game last season but tore her ACL in January, which sidelined her for the rest of the season.

She posted the below statement on social media regarding her decision:

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley issued the below statement regarding Watkins’ decision,

“Everyone in our program is valued as the whole of who they are, not just as a player or coach or staff member and not just for the time they are on our team,” Staley said. “We will support Ashlyn as she works through getting her body and mind stronger, and we will be here when she is ready to return.”