Basketball sometimes forces young athletes to face challenges beyond the court. For Ashlyn Watkins, this past year tested her resilience in ways that statistics never could. Now, the South Carolina forward faces her biggest challenge yet: Stepping away from the game she loves to focus on healing both her body and mind.
How Will Dawn Staley Support Ashlyn Watkins Through This Decision?
In a statement to The Greenville News, Dawn Staley expressed her full support for Watkins’ choice to take time away from basketball.
“Everyone in our program is valued as the whole of who they are, not just as a player or coach or staff member and not just for the time they are on our team. We will support Ashlyn as she works through getting her body and mind stronger, and we will be here when she is ready to return,” Staley said.
This support comes as Watkins announces she will step away from the team and miss the 2025-26 season. The three-year contributor for the Gamecocks needs this time to focus on her overall well-being after a challenging year.
Watkins appeared in 14 games last season before suffering a torn ACL just minutes into South Carolina’s January matchup against Mississippi State. The injury ended her season and sidelined her for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, creating both physical and mental challenges for the young player.
In April, Staley said Watkins’ recovery from her ACL injury was “going smoothly” during Final Four weekend.
Before her injury, Watkins was averaging 7.2 points and 6.1 rebounds in 19 minutes per game, providing a strong interior presence for the Gamecocks. Over three seasons with South Carolina, she has averaged 7.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while playing a key role on the team’s undefeated 2023-24 national championship squad, where she posted 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
What Did Watkins Share About Her Personal Journey?
After missing most of last season, Ashlyn Watkins announced on social media that she will take time away from basketball and plans to return for the 2026-27 campaign. Her message revealed the emotional toll of the past year.
“As most of you know, this past year has been a roller coaster for me. I usually like to keep my personal life private, but every time I step out into the community, I realize I’m not alone in this journey. So many of you have shown me love and encouragement, and because of that, I feel like I owe you a little insight into what’s been going on,” she wrote.
The forward also wanted to inspire others facing similar struggles. “I also want the younger ones who look up to me to know that tough times don’t define you, they make you stronger.”
BREAKING: South Carolina’s Ashlyn Watkins has announced that she is taking a year off from basketball and will not play during the 2025-26 season.
The 6-3 junior averaged 7.2 ppg and 6.1 rpg in 14 games last season before suffering an ACL injury. https://t.co/zFxv4RAGoh pic.twitter.com/OJQtg3ux1K
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) July 25, 2025
Watkins explained her decision to prioritize personal growth: “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.”
She expressed gratitude for her support system throughout this difficult period. “I’m so grateful for my coaches, the USC medical team, my teammates, and everyone who’s supported me along the way. For now, I’ll be cheering on my team and working hard to come back even stronger in the 2026-27 season.”
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Watkins was expected to enter her senior year in 2025-26 but will retain at least one year of eligibility after sitting out. It remains uncertain whether she will seek a medical redshirt for the 2024-25 season following her injury, which could potentially give her additional options for her basketball future.
