Coaches Downplay MiLaysia Fulwiley Matchup Ahead of South Carolina-LSU Clash

Dawn Staley and Kim Mulkey say the former South Carolina star is just part of the opposing team's personnel now.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The highly anticipated matchup between No. 3 South Carolina and No. 6 LSU on Saturday night has extra intrigue due to the presence of former Gamecocks guard MiLaysia Fulwiley, who transferred to LSU in the offseason. However, both South Carolina coach Dawn Staley and LSU coach Kim Mulkey have downplayed the personal aspect of the matchup, saying they are focused on the game itself and not on Fulwiley specifically.

Why it matters

The South Carolina-LSU game is one of the marquee women's basketball matchups of the season, with the two SEC powerhouses both ranked in the top 6 nationally. Fulwiley's transfer from South Carolina to LSU has added an extra layer of drama and interest to the game, but the coaches want to keep the focus on the teams and the game itself rather than the individual player matchup.

The details

Staley said the Gamecocks will treat Fulwiley "as Mikaylah Williams" or "Flau'jae Johnson" - just another player on the opposing team. Mulkey echoed that sentiment, saying she doesn't think Fulwiley will feel extra pressure and that the LSU coach hasn't had to do anything special to help her former player deal with the expectations around the matchup.

  • The South Carolina-LSU game is scheduled for Saturday night, February 14, 2026.

The players

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team.

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU Tigers women's basketball team.

MiLaysia Fulwiley

A guard who transferred from South Carolina to LSU in the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“They're just a part of the personnel of the other team now. Do we want to win? Absolutely. I don't want to win because it's MiLaysia Fulwiley. I want to win because we've got a chance to win the SEC. We've got a chance to hopefully keep a number one seed on Selection Sunday night.”

— Dawn Staley, South Carolina Gamecocks Head Coach (Jared Parker)

“I don't know that I have to really do anything. I think about when you're a player, you're out there trying to do the best you can for the team you play for. I don't look for it as extra pressure.”

— Kim Mulkey, LSU Tigers Head Coach (USA TODAY Network)

What’s next

The highly anticipated South Carolina-LSU matchup is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The takeaway

While the transfer of MiLaysia Fulwiley from South Carolina to LSU has added extra intrigue to the marquee women's basketball matchup, the coaches of both teams are trying to keep the focus on the game itself rather than the individual player storyline.