Nine Gamecocks Shine Bright: South Carolina Alumni Dominate WNBA Opening Day Roster Spotlight
As the WNBA tipped off its 29th season this past weekend, the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program once again demonstrated its prowess by having nine former Gamecocks featured on opening day rosters. This impressive representation ranks South Carolina third among all NCAA programs, trailing only the University of Connecticut and Notre Dame. Notably, South Carolina leads the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with the highest number of alumni in the league, contributing to the SEC’s total of 29 former players on WNBA rosters .
The Gamecock alumnae making waves in the WNBA include seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. Two-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson continues to be a cornerstone for the Las Vegas Aces, aiming for a third consecutive championship. Aliyah Boston, the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year, returns to the Indiana Fever alongside fellow Gamecock Victaria Saxton. Kamilla Cardoso, a standout in the 2025 WNBA Draft, begins her professional journey with the Chicago Sky .
Other notable Gamecocks on opening day rosters include Tyasha Harris with the Dallas Wings, Tiffany Mitchell with the Connecticut Sun, Allisha Gray with the Atlanta Dream, Zia Cooke with the Seattle Storm, and rookies Te-Hina Paopao and Sania Feagin, who have joined the Atlanta Dream and Los Angeles Sparks, respectively .
Despite the strong presence, some fans expressed disappointment over the absence of Bree Hall and Laeticia Amihere from the opening day rosters. Hall, selected 20th overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2025 WNBA Draft, was waived during training camp. Amihere, after two seasons with the Atlanta Dream, was picked up by the Golden State Valkyries but was released before the season commenced .
The sustained success of South Carolina’s program under head coach Dawn Staley is evident in these professional achievements. Since taking the helm in 2008, Staley has transformed the Gamecocks into a national powerhouse, securing multiple NCAA championships and producing a steady stream of WNBA talent. Her commitment to excellence and player development continues to yield dividends on the professional stage .
As the WNBA season unfolds, the impact of South Carolina’s alumni will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Their performances not only reflect individual talent but also the strength and depth of the Gamecocks’ program, further solidifying South Carolina’s reputation as a breeding ground for elite women’s basketball talent.
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