The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team has emerged as one of the most dominant forces in college basketball over the past several years. The Gamecocks, led by head coach Dawn Staley, captured their third NCAA championship title in 2024, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. As the 2025 season progresses, the question on everyone’s mind is whether South Carolina can repeat as national champions and continue their reign at the top of the sport.
South Carolina has consistently been a title contender under coach Dawn Staley’s guidance. Staley, a Hall-of-Fame player and coach, has transformed the Gamecocks into one of the most respected programs in Women’s basketball. Since her arrival in 2008, Staley has built a team known for its defensive intensity and athleticism, all while containing a winning culture.
South Carolina’s 2025 roster has some of the most talented players in the NCAA. Senior guard Te-Hina PaoPao leads the Gamecocks. She averages ten points per game and is a dominant force who has become one of the most impressive players on the team. Another South Carolina star is six-foot sophomore guard Tessa Johnson. She has a dynamic offensive game and impressive ability to take over with her shooting and crafty finishes around the rim. Paopao and Johnson aren’t the only big names on the team. Many non-starters who have not yet had their chance to shine on the court, such as freshman forward Joyce Edwards and freshman guard Maddy McDaniel, have shown potential.
South Carolina is currently the number one seed in the March Madness tournament. In the regular season, they won 32 games and only lost three. They are now ranked second in the SEC to Texas. While they are undoubtedly one of the top teams in the nation, the path to becoming back to back champions is not easy. The competition in women’s basketball is fierce and teams like Uconn, Texas, and LSU continue to build programs that can challenge South Carolina for the national title. Texas, in particular, is a major threat. Having already played South Carolina three times this year and only winning one of the matches, Texas is expected to bring their A-game when facing Carolina for the fourth time in March Madness. Uconn, led by senior guard Paige Buekers, is another tough competitor hungry for the national championship.
The 2025 South Carolina Gamecocks have all the ingredients needed to make another championship run. With a roster of elite talent, South Carolina remains a favorite to win it all. However, repeating as a champion won’t be easy and the competition is fierce. The Gamecocks must stay focused and continuously improve throughout the tournament to win this season’s March Madness. They will be playing the fourth seed, The University of Maryland on march 28th and the winner will advance to the elite eight.
