Chloe Kitts will be back on the court for the South Carolina Gamecocks next season, Dawn Staley confirmed to reporters Wednesday. Kitts, who would have graduated and likely entered the WNBA this year, missed the entire 2025-26 season after she tore her ACL in September.
Up until Staley's update, it was possible Kitts could still opt to enter the draft, but this news implies she may feel she has unfinished business with the program. “Chloe will come back next year," Staley said. "I think she said that on Instagram. Right? Well, as far as I know (she’s coming back). Transfer portal isn't open yet.”
Per several outlets, Kitts has not made an official announcement on Instagram. Staley is also correct to point out that Kitts could enter the transfer portal — though it seems unlikely she would.
Prior to her injury Kitts put in three strong seasons for the Gamecocks under Staley. During the 2024-25 season she averaged 10.2 points per game and 7.7 rebounds, a career high. She was also named the 2025 SEC Tournament MVP.
Chloe Kitts' injury was difficult for South Carolina to navigate
The unexpected loss of Kitts on the court definitely slowed the Gamecocks down earlier this season, and the team continued to struggle into December without her on the floor. She spent last season starting alongside Sania Feagin, and the duo played alongside MiLaysia Fulwiley, Bree Hall, Joyce Edwards, and Tessa Johnson.
The year's team is almost entirely different: Feagin and Hall both graduated and Fulwiley transferred to LSU. Though the Gamecocks are now performing well and are strong contenders for the championship in April, they began the season without the depth that was expected, and it took time to get to where they wanted to be. South Carolina is currently ranked No. 3 by the Associated Press.
Edwards has been a huge part of the team's success this season. She recorded her 17th 20-point game when South Carolina beat Ole Miss Sunday, which is the second-most in one season by a player from the Gamecocks since Staley began coaching at the school. (It likely comes as little surprise that A'ja Wilson holds the record, with 21 20-point games in the 2017-18 season).
The regular season is winding down for the NCAA and the Gamecocks have two games left on the docket: a Thursday match against Missouri and a season closer in Lexington on March 1.