(This story was updated to add new information)
COLUMBIA — South Carolina women’s basketball has its first commit from the class of 2026.
Kelsi Andrews, the No. 18 recruit in ESPN’s rankings chose, coach Dawn Staley’s program on Oct. 7.
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This comes not long after Oliviyah Edwards, the No. 2 recruit in the class of 2026, chose Tennessee and McKenna Woliczko, the No. 6 recruit, picked Iowa. Both had Staley’s program as one of their final choices.
Though Staley has her first commit, she is still actively recruiting more as she prepares to lose Raven Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson, Madina Okot, Chloe Kitts and Maryam Dauda after the 2025-26 season.
Who is Dawn Staley recruiting from class of 2026 for South Carolina?
Olivia Vukosa is ranked No. 3 in the recruiting class and has South Carolina’s in her top five along with Texas, Ohio State, UConn and LSU. Vukosa is 6-4 from Whitestone, New York.
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Jerzy Robinson, a five-star 6-foot guard and the No. 5 recruit, is also considering South Carolina.
Staley just hosted Sitaya Fagan, who is 6-2 from Australia, and Somto Okafor, who is 5-9 from Barcelona, for official visits.
Kaeli Wynn, a 6-2 five-star forward who is ranked No. 17, took an official visit in early September along with Emily McDonald, a four-star 6-foot guard who is ranked No. 23. McDonald committed to Kentucky on Oct. 8.
What top 2026 prospects are taking official visits to South Carolina?
Lola Lampley, the No. 29 prospect, is set to take her official visit to South Carolina on Oct. 16, she confirmed on social media. She’s a 6-2 wing and a four-star rated player.
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In ESPN’s top 100 rankings, five of the top 10 have committed, including top recruit Saniyah Hall, who chose Southern Cal. She had an official visit with Staley in May.
Kate Harping, No. 4 in the class, took an unofficial visit to South Carolina last November then committed to North Carolina in August.
Jordyn Jackson, the No. 8 recruit, picked Maryland over South Carolina.
When does Dawn Staley usually get commits for South Carolina?
Andrews was the earliest first commit for South Carolina since 2020, when Staley had four 2021 commits before September.
Ayla McDowell announced her commitment in November, which was Staley’s first in the 2025 cycle, then she didn’t get another until March, when Agot Makeer announced her decision.
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The year before, Tessa Johnson was the first commit of the Gamecocks’ 2023 class, announcing her decision on Oct. 19, 2022, then signing weeks later. MiLaysia Fulwiley announced her decision Nov. 10, 2022.
How does Nike impact recruiting for Dawn Staley, South Carolina?
Beginning July 1, 2026, South Carolina will use Nike as its official apparel supplier. The move was announced on Aug. 22 when the university’s board of trustees approved the new contract, which is a 10-year partnership worth $70 million.
Staley was asked on Sept. 22 if she believes Nike will influence recruiting. South Carolina has been an Under Armour school since 2007.
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“I do think it helps recruiting,” Staley said. “Change helps recruiting. It’s Nike, most kids, no matter what kind of packages they get, seem to be attracted to Nike no matter what it is, you can get less and you’re attracted to it (because it’s Nike.)”
Former South Carolina women’s basketball star A’ja Wilson is heavily involved in the new contract and the term sheet revealed that Nike will provide the team “A’ja Wilson signature sneakers (A’Two) including USC-specific colorways to wear on the court. Nike will also explore A’ja Wilson travel and other team gear for USC WBB during the term.”
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 recruiting targets for South Carolina basketball in 2026
