South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball will be without forward Ashlyn Watkins in the upcoming 2025-26 season. Watkins, who would have been returning to the court for her senior year, announced via social media that she is stepping away to focus on her personal journey. She confirmed her plans to return to Gamecock basketball for the 2026-27 season.
“With everything that’s happened this year, I’m going to take some time off to focus on myself, my community, my faith, and my family, so that I can grow as an individual and attempt to master this journey of life,” Watkins shared in the post.