Madina Okot Leads South Carolina Women's Team to Sweet 16

Gamecocks center dominates in first two rounds of NCAA Tournament

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:03am

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South Carolina center Madina Okot has had a long journey to the Women's NCAA Tournament, but the Gamecocks are glad she's made it. Okot dominated through the first two rounds, averaging 15 points and 11.5 rebounds. Her 6-foot-6 frame and powerful defensive and rebounding presence will be crucial as South Carolina faces elite inside players in the Sweet 16.

Why it matters

Okot's performance has been crucial to South Carolina's success in the tournament so far. As the Gamecocks look to win their third title in five years, they will need Okot's strength and dominance in the paint to make a deep run.

The details

Okot transferred from Mississippi State after last season and initially struggled with the heightened expectations and homesickness. However, she has since found her rhythm, starting every game and finishing the regular season with seven consecutive double-doubles. Okot's new family at South Carolina, including her teammates and coach Dawn Staley, have helped her adjust and thrive.

  • Okot was removed from the starting lineup after a poor performance against Oklahoma on January 22.
  • Okot returned to the starting lineup when the Gamecocks played her former team, Mississippi State, on February 5.
  • Okot finished the regular season with seven consecutive double-doubles.

The players

Madina Okot

A 6-foot-6 center for the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team who has dominated in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, averaging 15 points and 11.5 rebounds.

Raven Johnson

The SEC Defensive Player of the Year and Okot's teammate on the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, who has helped Okot overcome her early struggles and find her rhythm.

Raegan Beers

A player for the Oklahoma Sooners women's basketball team, whom the Gamecocks will face in the Sweet 16.

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What they’re saying

“Madina has worked harder than she's probably ever had to work. They may think they're alone. They may think it's really tough, but we're right there beside their side going through it with them.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks

“I remember her crying, breaking down, telling me how hard it was. I would just tell her: 'Madina you signed up for something really big. This is not Mississippi State – this is South Carolina.'”

— Raven Johnson, Teammate, South Carolina Gamecocks

“It's hard but when you have people like my teammates and my coaching staff... they make it feel like your home away from home.”

— Madina Okot

What’s next

The Gamecocks will face the Oklahoma Sooners in the Sweet 16 on March 28, 2026.

The takeaway

Madina Okot's journey to the NCAA Tournament has been challenging, but with the support of her new South Carolina family, she has found her rhythm and become a dominant force for the Gamecocks. Her continued success will be crucial as the team looks to win its third title in five years.