South Carolina Women’s Basketball: Making History with Three or More Selections in the WNBA Draft

The South Carolina Women’s Basketball program has undeniably etched its name into the annals of college basketball history. As the powerhouse team continues to dominate in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage, one of the most significant markers of its success comes in the form of player development—specifically, the number of Gamecocks players selected in the WNBA Draft. In 2025, South Carolina achieved a monumental milestone: for only the third time in history, three or more players were selected in the WNBA Draft. This development not only underscores the program’s unparalleled talent pool but also highlights the rising influence of coach Dawn Staley and her unparalleled ability to cultivate players ready for the professional ranks.

This article will examine the significance of South Carolina’s multiple WNBA Draft selections, trace the history behind the program’s draft picks, and discuss how the Gamecocks have evolved from a competitive college team to a perennial force in women’s basketball.

The Rise of South Carolina Women’s Basketball

South Carolina’s ascension into elite college basketball territory has been a testament to the leadership of Coach Dawn Staley. Hired in 2008, Staley quickly transformed the Gamecocks from an up-and-coming team to one of the most consistent and dominant programs in women’s college basketball. Under her guidance, South Carolina has become synonymous with both excellence and player development, particularly for those players with aspirations of reaching the WNBA.

Staley’s coaching philosophy has centered on hard work, discipline, and fostering a sense of unity both on and off the court. But perhaps her most significant contribution has been her ability to develop individual talent. Staley doesn’t just create strong teams; she turns players into high-level professionals. This has been evident in the numerous South Carolina alumni who have gone on to have successful careers in the WNBA.

Before 2025, South Carolina had already seen multiple players drafted, including standout names like A’ja Wilson, Alaina Coates, and Tiffany Mitchell, all of whom have had significant impacts on the WNBA. But it wasn’t until 2025 that the Gamecocks experienced a breakthrough moment that demonstrated their dominance in the draft process.

The 2025 Draft: A Historic Moment for South Carolina

The 2025 WNBA Draft became the third draft in history where South Carolina had three or more players selected. This achievement was remarkable not only because of the sheer number of picks but also because of the caliber of talent that was being recognized. The Gamecocks had once again proven that their system and their athletes were among the best in the country. The three players selected in 2025—Jordan Horston, Laeticia Amihere, and Zia Cooke—each brought unique skills to the table, making their selections a testament to South Carolina’s versatility.

Jordan Horston, a standout forward, was selected early in the first round, widely regarded for her combination of athleticism, basketball IQ, and leadership qualities. Throughout her career at South Carolina, Horston demonstrated her ability to affect the game in multiple ways, whether it was scoring, rebounding, or facilitating plays for teammates. Her rise to stardom came not only because of her statistical output but also because of her growth as a leader on a championship-contending team. In the 2025 draft, Horston’s selection served as a symbol of South Carolina’s success in producing players who could make an immediate impact at the professional level.

Laeticia Amihere, a versatile forward known for her defensive prowess and relentless energy, was another player selected in 2025. Amihere’s journey with South Carolina saw her develop from a promising talent into one of the most highly coveted players in the draft pool. Her ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor made her a valuable asset to any WNBA team looking for a multi-dimensional player. Amihere’s selection in the draft further solidified South Carolina’s reputation as a school that develops players with both offensive and defensive tools.

Zia Cooke, the electric guard, was the third selection for South Carolina in 2025. Known for her scoring ability and clutch performances, Cooke was a fan favorite during her time in Columbia. Her ability to score from anywhere on the floor, whether it be from the perimeter or driving to the basket, made her one of the most dynamic players in college basketball. Cooke’s selection in the draft only continued to reinforce the narrative that South Carolina has the ability to produce high-caliber guards ready for the next level. Cooke’s fearless style of play and leadership qualities would undoubtedly serve her well in the WNBA.

Together, these three players exemplified the level of talent South Carolina was producing year after year. In fact, it was no surprise when they were drafted; what made the 2025 draft truly historic was the recognition of just how many elite players South Carolina was now producing. This phenomenon was no longer a one-time anomaly; it was a trend that South Carolina had firmly established as a mainstay in the women’s basketball landscape.

A Legacy of WNBA Draft Success

The 2025 draft was not an isolated event; it was the latest chapter in a long history of South Carolina players making their mark on the WNBA. While the 2025 draft was special in its own right, it marked the culmination of years of steady growth and excellence.

A’ja Wilson, who was drafted number one overall by the Las Vegas Aces in 2018, remains perhaps the most successful alumna of the program. Wilson’s rise to stardom has been meteoric, and she has established herself as one of the top players in the WNBA. Her time at South Carolina was marked by dominant performances and a national championship win, and she continues to be a shining example of what the program can produce.

Alaina Coates (drafted 2nd overall in 2017), another prominent name, was selected by the Chicago Sky and went on to have a solid career in the WNBA. Coates’ presence in the paint, her rebounding ability, and her defensive skills were crucial during her time at South Carolina, and she has carried that energy with her to the professional ranks.

Tiffany Mitchell, drafted 9th overall in 2016 by the Indiana Fever, made a name for herself with her dynamic scoring and hustle on defense. Mitchell’s competitive spirit and unrelenting work ethic made her a fan favorite in the WNBA and a model for future South Carolina players who aimed for the draft.

These players, along with others like Breein Tyree, Saniya Chong, and Kiki Herbert-Harrigan, helped to establish a precedent for future Gamecocks who sought to make their mark in the professional ranks.

However, the 2025 draft’s three selections spoke volumes about South Carolina’s continued dominance. It wasn’t just about producing individual talent; it was about producing talent that could contribute immediately to WNBA teams. It wasn’t about “one-hit-wonder” seasons; rather, it was the consistent output of elite-level players who could change the course of professional games.

Dawn Staley: Architect of Success

At the center of South Carolina’s success in producing WNBA talent is head coach Dawn Staley. Staley’s tenure has been defined by a commitment to excellence both on and off the court. Known for her passion, work ethic, and basketball acumen, Staley has instilled in her players a level of professionalism and competitiveness that carries over into their careers. Her ability to coach players into becoming professionals has become one of her most defining characteristics.

Staley’s emphasis on defense, rebounding, and high basketball IQ has played a critical role in shaping the careers of her former players. It is no surprise that so many of her players have made the transition to the WNBA seamlessly, as they were taught to play an all-around game that transcends the college level.

Additionally, Staley’s success has helped recruit some of the top talents from across the nation, ensuring that South Carolina remains a national powerhouse year after year. The combination of her leadership, the program’s infrastructure, and its consistently high performance has made South Carolina a go-to destination for players with aspirations of playing at the next level.

The Impact of South Carolina’s Draft Success on the WNBA

The WNBA, though a rapidly growing league, still faces challenges in terms of recognition and popularity compared to its male counterpart, the NBA. However, South Carolina’s consistent production of elite players has been one of the driving forces behind the league’s growth in recent years. Players like Wilson, Cooke, Amihere, and others have contributed to making the WNBA a more exciting and competitive league.

By producing so many high-caliber draft picks, South Carolina has demonstrated that it is not only a leader in women’s college basketball but also a primary source of talent for the WNBA. This benefits the league in terms of competitiveness, diversity, and the overall quality of play, helping to elevate the profile of women’s professional basketball.

South Carolina Women’s Basketball continues to rewrite the record books, both in terms of on-the-court performance and the success of its players in the professional ranks. With three or more players drafted in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the program has once again demonstrated that its status as a perennial powerhouse is well-deserved. As Dawn Staley’s influence continues to shape the future of the program, South Carolina is likely to see even more of its athletes fulfill their professional dreams in the WNBA, further cementing the legacy of one of the most successful women’s basketball programs in history.

Through its consistent success in producing top-tier talent, South Carolina has become a shining example of what excellence in college basketball can achieve—and how that excellence translates into success at the professional level.