Kelsi Andrews Joins South Carolina Women’s Basketball Team: A Commitment to Excellence on the Court

Rising Star Kelsi andrews Pledges Future to South Carolina Women’s Basketball

October 8, 2025

Columbia, South Carolina – Kelsi Andrews, widely considered one of the nation’s premier high school basketball players, has officially committed to play for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. The 6-foot-3 forward, currently ranked as the No. 18 overall prospect and the fourth-best post player in the 2026 recruiting class, announced her decision, signaling a notable win for Head Coach dawn Staley and her program.

A Highly Sought-After Recruit

Andrews selected the Gamecocks after carefully considering offers from a host of elite programs, including Virginia, Auburn, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State, Baylor, Tennessee, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. Her decision underscores the growing appeal of South Carolina as a destination for top talent in women’s college basketball.

“South Carolina just felt right,” Andrews explained. “The people,the culture,and the way they care about you beyond basketball reminded me why I fell in love with the game in the first place.”

long-Standing Relationship and Resilience

Coach Staley and her staff have maintained a consistent interest in Andrews throughout her high school career, initiating contact even before she entered high school.This long-term relationship,coupled with the program’s unwavering support during two separate ACL injuries,played a crucial role in her decision. Assistant Coach Jolette Law first recognized Andrews’ potential in seventh grade and has been a constant presence in her development.

“Jolette Law was one of the first coaches to watch me play back in seventh grade, and from that moment, they’ve been consistent ever since,” Andrews stated.”Through both of my ACL tears,Coach Staley never left my side — and that meant everything to me.”

Continuing a Legacy of Elite Post Players

Andrews’ commitment continues a strong tradition of exceptional post players joining the Gamecocks program. She follows in the footsteps of standouts such as Kamilla Cardoso, Ashlyn Watkins, and Joyce Edwards, all products of the FBC club program in Georgia. andrews initially honed her skills in Alabama before transferring to IMG academy in Florida for her junior and senior seasons.

A Versatile player with Championship Experience

Known for her strength, physicality, and ability to dominate the offensive boards, andrews also possesses the range to stretch the floor with her shot. Despite facing setbacks due to ACL injuries, she has demonstrated remarkable resilience, earning gold medals with Team USA at the 2023 FIBA Americas U16 Championship and the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup. Her performances this past summer with FBC on the Under Armour circuit showcased her improved defensive mobility and overall competitive readiness.

South Carolina’s Recruiting Momentum

the Gamecocks are not stopping with Andrews. They are actively pursuing international prospects Sara Okeke from Spain and Sitaya Fagan from Australia, alongside highly-ranked American players Jerzy Robinson (No. 5) and Kaeli Wynn (No. 17) in the 2026 class. Currently, South Carolina boasts the fourth-ranked recruiting class for the 2025-26 season, featuring Agot Makeer (No. 4) and Ayla McDowell (No. 15). The team aims to continue its dominant run, seeking a fifth consecutive Final Four appearance and a return to championship contention after falling short against UConn in last year’s title game.

Player	Ranking (2026 Class)	Position
Kelsi Andrews	No. 18	Post
Jerzy Robinson	No. 5	N/A
Kaeli Wynn	No. 17	N/A

Did You Know? South Carolina Women’s Basketball has consistently ranked among the nation’s top programs, achieving Final four appearances in each of the last four seasons.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on recruiting rankings throughout the year, as they often shift based on player development and performance.

What impact do you think Kelsi Andrews will have on the Gamecocks’ program? And how crucial is recruiting international talent for sustained success in women’s college basketball?

The Rise of Women’s College Basketball

Women’s college basketball is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth in popularity and viewership. This surge is fueled by compelling storylines, exceptional athletes, and increased media coverage. The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament consistently draws record-breaking audiences,demonstrating the sport’s expanding appeal. According to a recent report by the NCAA, viewership for the 2024 Women’s basketball Tournament increased by 30% compared to the previous year. The increasing professionalism of the WNBA is also driving interest in the collegiate ranks, as fans eagerly follow potential future stars.

Frequently asked Questions about Kelsi Andrews and South Carolina Basketball

• What position does Kelsi Andrews play? Andrews is a forward, specializing in the post position.
• What other colleges did Kelsi Andrews consider? She received offers from Virginia, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi State, Baylor, Tennessee, Notre Dame, and Ohio State.
• What is South Carolina’s recent tournament history? The Gamecocks have reached the Final Four in four consecutive seasons.
• how does Kelsi Andrews’ commitment impact South Carolina’s recruiting class? it adds a highly-ranked player and solidifies the gamecocks’ position as a top program for recruiting.
• What are the expectations for Andrews at the collegiate level? She’s expected to contribute immediately as a strong post presence and rebounder.
• What is the significance of the FBC club program? The FBC club program has a proven track record of developing elite players who go on to succeed at the collegiate level, and several have previously committed to South Carolina.
• How have injuries affected Andrews’ career? Despite two ACL tears, Andrews has demonstrated remarkable resilience and has continued to excel on the court, even earning gold medals with Team USA.

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what specific skills will Kelsi Andrews bring to the South Carolina Gamecocks that complement their existing roster?

A rising Star Heads to columbia

kelsi Andrews,a highly touted recruit from[HighSchoolName&Location-[HighSchoolName&Location-replace with actual info],has officially committed to the University of South Carolina Women’s Basketball team. This signing represents a significant boost for the Gamecocks, already a national powerhouse in women’s collage basketball, and signals a continued dedication to recruiting top talent.The commitment was announced on[DateofDeclaration-[DateofDeclaration-replace with actual info]and has quickly generated excitement among fans and analysts alike.This article dives into what Andrews brings to the team, her playing style, and the impact she’s expected to have on the program.

Andrews’ Player Profile: Skills and Strengths

Kelsi Andrews is a[Position-[Position-replace with actual info]known for her exceptional[KeySkill1-[KeySkill1-replace with actual info]and[KeySkill2-[KeySkill2-replace with actual info]. Scouts consistently praise her:

* Offensive Prowess: Andrews boasts a strong shooting percentage from both inside and outside the arc. Her ability to create her own shot is a major asset.

* Defensive Intensity: She’s a tenacious defender, consistently disrupting opponents and generating turnovers. Her defensive rebounding is also noteworthy.

* Court Vision & Passing: Beyond scoring, Andrews demonstrates excellent court awareness and passing skills, making her a valuable playmaker.

* Athleticism & Agility: Her quickness and agility allow her to excel in transition and navigate defensive pressure effectively.

Her current stats from her high school career include[Stats-[Stats-replace with actual info]points per game,[Stats-[Stats-replace with actual info]rebounds per game, and[Stats-[Stats-replace with actual info]assists per game.Thes numbers highlight her all-around contribution to her team. Analysts predict she will be a key contributor in the SEC.

Why South Carolina? Andrews’ Decision Factors

Several factors contributed to Andrews’ decision to commit to South Carolina. She cited the program’s winning culture, the coaching staff’s vision for her development, and the strong academic support system as key influences.

* Coach Dawn Staley’s Leadership: The possibility to play under the guidance of Coach dawn Staley, a legendary figure in women’s basketball, was a major draw. Staley’s track record of developing players and building championship teams is highly respected.

* Team Chemistry & Culture: Andrews expressed her admiration for the existing team dynamic and the positive atmosphere within the program.She felt a strong connection with the current players during her visits.

* Academic Reputation: The University of South Carolina’s strong academic programs where also a significant consideration, aligning with Andrews’ goals beyond basketball.

* Fan Support: The passionate gamecock fanbase and the energetic surroundings at Colonial Life Arena were appealing factors.

Impact on the Gamecocks’ Roster & future Outlook

The addition of Kelsi Andrews strengthens an already formidable South Carolina roster. She’s expected to compete for playing time at the[Position-[Position-replace with actual info]position and contribute immediately.

* Addressing Team Needs: Andrews’ skillset complements the existing strengths of the team, providing additional scoring options and defensive versatility.

* Competition & Depth: Her arrival will increase competition for playing time, pushing all players to elevate their game.

* Recruiting momentum: This commitment further solidifies South Carolina’s position as a top recruiting destination for women’s basketball talent.

* Championship Contention: With Andrews on board, the Gamecocks remain strong contenders for the SEC Championship and the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament title.

Andrews’ High School & AAU Background

Before arriving in Columbia, Andrews established herself as a standout player at[highschoolName-[highschoolName-replace with actual info]. She led her team to[Achievements-[Achievements-replace with actual info]and earned numerous individual accolades, including[Awards-[Awards-replace with actual info].

Her AAU experience with[AAUTeamName-[AAUTeamName-replace with actual info]further honed her skills and exposed her to high-level competition. Playing against top prospects on the AAU circuit prepared her for the challenges of college basketball. She consistently ranked among the top performers in AAU tournaments, attracting the attention of college recruiters nationwide.

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