Markeshia’s Corner: Greatness Doesn’t End. It Reloads.

Markeshia Grant, who played two seasons for Dawn Staley, provides GamecockCentral readers with analysis of South Carolina women’s basketball. Don’t miss her unique insights and expert takes; sign up for the GamecocksW newsletter.

South Carolina suffered its first ever National Championship loss to UConn Sunday—the Gamecocks are now 3-1 in national championship games.

There’s no way around it—yes, it stings. When the defending National Champions set its sights on another title this season and fell short, there was a silence that followed the final buzzer.

It was uneasy. It was uncomfortable. It lingered for a while—it was heavy, it was subtle, but it was reality setting in. A silence that said: “Not this time.” But even in that space—between heartbreak and hope—there’s something undeniable that you can take away from this season: progress, pride, and promise.

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Let’s not get distracted by the final score. The Gamecocks made it to the last weekend of the season. That alone speaks volumes. It means the standard is still the standard. It means they’re still built for the biggest stage. It means that every practice, every rep, every film session, every hard-fought possession—mattered. It means that every win and every loss—was a lesson learned. It means that Dawn Staley can coach her xxx off!

And let’s be real—they did it without a traditional “dominant” post presence. Without Ashlyn Watkins. And still, they found ways to win. Found ways to lead. That’s resilience. That’s adaptability. That’s championship DNA. Because that’s what Gamecock women’s basketball is. That’s the culture Dawn Staley has built—competing in the last game of the season for a National Championship. And they did exactly that. Period.

These young women didn’t just show up—they gave everything. Not just in the title game, but all season long. Through the injuries. Through the pressure. Through the noise. Through the expectation. They stood tall. They battled. They adjusted. They found new ways to lead, new ways to win, and new levels within themselves. They were uncommon. Every step of the way. And while it didn’t end the way they hoped—don’t get it twisted—the foundation is as solid as ever. The culture remains untouched. The hunger is still loud. And the future? Oh, it’s bright.

Now we’ve seen what this team can do when doubted. When stretched. When forced to pivot. And we’ve seen what’s coming next. Talent, depth, toughness—reloading with purpose.

With that in mind, The Gamecocks return Raven Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Tessa Johnson, Joyce Edwards, Chloe Kitts, Ashlyn Watkins, Maddy McDaniel, Maryam Dauda, and Adhel Tac—have a highly talented freshman class coming in, in 6’1” wing Agot Makeer, 6’2”Wing Ayla McDowell, and they just signed the NCAA’s leading score Ta’Niyah Latson, who spent three seasons at Florida State University!

That’s the beauty of this program. There’s room for everyone to shine. The system, the standard, the culture—it’s built to evolve. Built to elevate. Built so that when one chapter ends, the next begins with even more fire power. So, when next season tips off, just know this: South Carolina will be loaded and ready the run-it-back. Because greatness doesn’t end. It reloads—and keeps getting better.

South Carolina vs. UConn – National Championship Game Notables

Joyce Edwards – All-Tournament Team

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