Keenan grad MiLaysia Fulwiley returns to alma mater to celebrate national title win

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Just a freshman, MiLaysia Fulwiley was nonetheless an integral part of helping the South Carolina women’s basketball team to their third national title.

Tuesday afternoon, the Columbia native and Keenan grad was back at her alma mater to celebrate the accomplishment. She thanks her Keenan coaches for helping improve her game.

“They helped me grow into myself. I was a child when I got here,” Fulwiley said. “They helped create an image of who I wanted to be and how to carry myself on and off the court.”

“She’s won at every level she’s played at,” said Reggie McClain, Keenan girl’s basketball coach. “She won at the middle school level. She then won four straight state championships.”

“I was a playmaker. I was a defensive player. I was an all-round player,” Fulwiley said. “I’m trying to translate that over into the college system. I had a lot of assists. I shared the ball and got all my teammates open. That was one of my favorite memories at Keenan High School.”

Despite it being her first year, Fulwiley was an important part of the South Carolina women’s basketball team this season, averaging almost 12 points per game.

“It’s really just playing within a system,” the Gamecocks guard said. “In high school, you can play free and do whatever you want if you’re a top player. In colleg, there’s a certain type of way they want you to play.”

On and off the court, Fulwiley is glad she stayed in Columbia for college. 

“I just love seeing my family and friends in the stand,” she said. “I feel supported and loved. Staying home was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

W.J. Keenan High School held a “MiLaysia Fulwiley Day” celebration for the USC freshman Tuesday afternoon.