South Carolina Reaches Sixth Straight Final Four With New-Look Squad

The Gamecocks have unlocked a faster, higher-scoring brand of basketball under Dawn Staley this season.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:10am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic action of a women's basketball game, with the players and court rendered in sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and vibrant colors.South Carolina's new-look squad has unlocked a faster, more efficient brand of basketball to reach their sixth straight Final Four.Today in Sacramento

Despite losing five of their seven leading scorers from last season, South Carolina has reached the Final Four for the sixth consecutive year. Led by a new core of players, the Gamecocks have developed a faster, more efficient offense that is unlike any Dawn Staley has coached before at the school.

Why it matters

South Carolina's continued dominance in women's basketball, reaching the Final Four six years in a row, is a remarkable feat. The team's ability to reload with new talent and adapt its playing style showcases Staley's coaching prowess and the program's sustained excellence.

The details

The Gamecocks started a bit slow against TCU in the Elite Eight, but then turned up the heat and took control of the game, winning 78-52. This new South Carolina squad has become the highest scoring team Staley has coached, averaging 87.4 points per game compared to 79.1 last season. They are also more efficient, shooting 50.9% from the field. Key contributors like Madina Okot, Tessa Johnson, Joyce Edwards, and freshman Agot Makeer have meshed well to unlock a new, faster brand of basketball for the Gamecocks.

  • South Carolina has reached the Final Four for the sixth consecutive season.
  • The Gamecocks would have made the Final Four in 2020 as well if the tournament had not been canceled due to the pandemic.

The players

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, who has led the program to six straight Final Four appearances.

Raven Johnson

The starting point guard for South Carolina, who has been a key piece of the team's success over the past five seasons, including this year's new-look squad.

Joyce Edwards

A sophomore forward for South Carolina who is the team's leading scorer this season at 19.6 points per game, the highest for the Gamecocks since A'ja Wilson.

Madina Okot

A transfer from Mississippi State who is now averaging a double-double for South Carolina.

Agot Makeer

A freshman guard for the Gamecocks who has shown increasing confidence and the ability to stretch the floor with her play.

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What they’re saying

“They're fluid with each other. They know each other's strengths and where they are on the floor.”

— Donovyn Hunter, TCU guard

“Now people are seeing the type of player that she is—that she was capable of being.”

— Dawn Staley, South Carolina head coach

What’s next

South Carolina will face the winner of the other Elite Eight matchup in the Final Four, as they continue their quest for a national championship.

The takeaway

Despite losing significant production from last season, South Carolina has adapted its style of play and developed a new core of players to reach the Final Four for the sixth consecutive year under Dawn Staley's leadership, showcasing the program's sustained excellence and the coach's ability to reload and innovate.