COLUMBIA — Class of 2026 forward Kelsi Andrews signed with South Carolina women’s basketball on Nov. 12 as the signing period opened.
She announced her commitment to the team on Oct. 7, the first commit and signee for coach Dawn Staley of this recruiting cycle.
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Andrews is a five-star recruit and the No. 2 center in her class, according to the 247Sports Composite. She is the No. 1 recruit from Florida and No. 19 nationally. She’s listed as both a forward and center. ESPN lists her as a four-star recruit.
“Kelsi brings a unique combination of size, skill and versatility that perfectly fit how we want to play,” Staley said in the news release on Nov. 12. “Her basketball IQ, defensive presence and resilience make her a special addition to our Gamecock family. And, with her ability to score inside, stretch the floor with her 3-point shot and impact the game on both ends of the court, she has the potential to continue our legacy of elite frontcourt players.”
Andrews also visited Auburn, Mississippi State, LSU and Virginia. She is originally from Hazel Green, Alabama, but plays high school basketball for IMG Academy in Florida.
She won a gold medal with the United States at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup and participated in the 2025 USA Women’s U19 National Team Trials in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 2025.
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Andrews was named to the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Girls High School Player of the Year Watchlist on Nov. 12, as was Kaeli Wynn, Staley’s second commitment so far of this class.
Dawn Staley, South Carolina class of 2026 commits
Who is Dawn Staley recruiting?
Staley is still aiming to land Jerzy Robinson, the No. 5 ranked prospect and Fope Ayo, the No. 45 ranked prospect. Ayo is expected to make a decision this week.
Robinson is deciding between South Carolina, LSU and UConn. Ayo’s final four schools are Michigan, Miami, South Carolina and Stanford.
What will Dawn Staley’s South Carolina roster look like in 2026-27?
Staley will be without Ta’Niya Latson, Raven Johnson, Maryam Dauda and Madina Okot next season.
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Ashlyn Watkins announced in July she is planning to return for her senior year in 2026-27, and Chloe Kitts has the option to return or go to the WNBA draft after missing this year due to an ACL tear.
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@gannett.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky@bylulukesin.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Dawn Staley on Kelsi Andrews, South Carolina women’s basketball signee
