South Carolina Women's Basketball Began Preseason Training

The Gamecocks officially opened preseason practice as the team integrated several new players into the rotation.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Basketball

South Carolina Women's Basketball Began Preseason Training

Live Poll

Do you plan to follow your local college basketball team this season?

The South Carolina women's basketball team officially tipped off preseason practice on September 21, 2026. Coaches monitored the health of several key returners while introducing four newcomers to the squad.

Why it matters

Preseason training provides the coaching staff with essential time to evaluate roster depth and integrate incoming talent ahead of the competitive schedule. Developing team chemistry and managing player health remain the primary focus during these initial weeks.

The practice session featured 10 players split into two competing teams, including four newcomers who are adjusting to the program. The coaching staff oversaw these sessions while managing individual player health status following offseason recovery.

The players

Ashlyn Watkins

She is a key contributor to the South Carolina roster who participated in the opening practice session without needing protective braces.

Chloe Kitts

A notable returner for the Gamecocks, she demonstrated her readiness by practicing without any restrictive bracing.

Tessa Johnson

She shared primary ball-handling responsibilities during the team's initial preseason scrimmage rotations.

Kaeli Wynn

She is currently experiencing limited participation in team activities as she manages injuries sustained during her high school career.

Ayla McDowell

She was the only roster member noted as absent from the start of preseason practice due to academic commitments.

The details

During the media-accessible portion of practice, the team focused on rotations with Brooke Quarles Daniels and Tessa Johnson handling point guard duties. While Ashlyn Watkins and Chloe Kitts participated without braces, Kaeli Wynn continued to manage limitations related to high school injuries.

The team began preseason practice on September 21, 2026.
An exhibition game is scheduled for September 27, 2026.

Season Trajectory

These initial practices set the competitive tone for the upcoming season as the team attempts to integrate new recruits into a championship-caliber core. Success in these sessions will determine the rotation depth necessary to navigate the challenges of the SEC schedule.

The rotation of Brooke Quarles Daniels and Tessa Johnson at point guard signals a shift in playmaking responsibilities that will impact lineup efficiency. With four newcomers added to the mix, fans should look for significant adjustments in the team's offensive flow during early exhibition play.

The takeaway

Early preseason practices serve as a critical diagnostic phase for the coaching staff to assess injury recovery and test new guard rotations. Fans should monitor the exhibition game lineup as an indicator of the team's health and depth heading into the regular season.