Ashlyn Watkins out for Gamecocks upcoming season, announces break from basketball
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — South Carolina junior forward Ashlyn Watkins announced she will not play for the Gamecocks in the upcoming 2025/26 season.
The Columbia native announced via an Instagram post she will take a break from basketball, stating “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 averaged 7.2 ppg and 6.1 rpg in 14 games last season before suffering an ACL injury in January.
She also missed the start of the season due to an ongoing legal issue, that was later dismissed.
In statement provided to ABC Columbia, head coach Dawn Staley said the following regarding Watkins decision:
“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.”
Watkins said she’ll be working hard to come back for the 2026/27 season “even stronger.”
In the Gamecocks championship run in 2023/24, Watkins last full season, she averaged 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
