South Carolina junior forward Ashlyn Watkins will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL, the program announced Tuesday. The injury occurred in the first half of Sunday’s 95-68 victory over Mississippi State, and Watkins is expected to undergo surgery in the coming weeks.
The loss of Watkins is a significant blow to the No. 2 Gamecocks, as she has been a key contributor in their frontcourt rotation. In 14 appearances this season, the 6-foot-3 standout averaged 7.2 points, a team-high 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game—ranking fourth in the SEC in blocks. Her defensive presence and rebounding ability played a crucial role in South Carolina’s success.
Watkins has been an integral part of the program since arriving in Columbia, contributing to last season’s undefeated national championship run. Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor made her a valuable asset for Head Coach Dawn Staley’s squad.
This setback comes at a challenging time for South Carolina, as they gear up for a difficult stretch of SEC play. The Gamecocks are chasing their fourth national championship and will now have to adjust their rotation in her absence.
Despite this adversity, South Carolina remains a dominant force in women’s college basketball, with depth and experience on their roster. Players like Kamilla Cardoso and Sania Feagin will likely see expanded roles as the team looks to fill the void left by Watkins.
Watkins’ injury is a tough break for both her and the Gamecocks, but her recovery will be closely monitored as she works toward a return next season. Her impact on the team has been undeniable, and South Carolina will look to rally in her absence as they continue their title pursuit.
The Gamecocks return to action on Sunday against Texas A&M before entering a demanding stretch of five consecutive matchups against ranked SEC opponents. How they adjust to Watkins’ absence could be a defining factor in their championship aspirations.