Ashlyn Watkins Shocker: Star to Sit Out 2025-26 Season! Here's Why
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South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball star Ashlyn Watkins has announced she will be taking a year off and will not be playing during the 2025-26 season. This news comes after a challenging year for the 6-foot-3 forward, who suffered a torn ACL in January during a game against Mississippi State, sidelining her for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
Watkins made the announcement via an Instagram post on July 25th, explaining her decision. "As most of you know, this past year has been a roller coaster for me," she wrote. "I usually like to keep my personal life private, but every time I step out into the community, I realize I'm not alone in this journey. So many of you have shown me love and encouragement, and because of that, I feel like I owe you a little insight into what's been going on."
She further elaborated, "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. I'm so grateful for my coaches, the USC medical staff, team, my teammates, and everyone who's supported me along the way. For now, I'll be cheering on my team and working hard to come back even stronger for the 2026-27 season."
Coach Dawn Staley also released a statement expressing support for Watkins. "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. 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."
Watkins' absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Gamecocks. While the team managed to reach the national championship game without her after her injury, they ultimately fell to UConn, highlighting the importance of her presence on the court. In addition to the ACL injury, Watkins was also arrested in August on charges of first-degree assault and battery and kidnapping, leading to a suspension from the team.
The team will be eagerly awaiting her return in the 2026-27 season.