Ayla McDowell announced her commitment to the Gamecocks

South Carolina’s women’s basketball program kicked off its 2025 recruiting season in style as five-star standout Ayla McDowell announced her commitment to the Gamecocks in a thrilling Instagram Live reveal on Thursday.

McDowell, a 6-foot-2 talent from Cypress, Texas, ranked No. 20 in her class by ESPN, chose Coach Dawn Staley’s powerhouse program over other top contenders, including LSU, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Florida, and TCU. Known for her versatility, McDowell sharpened her skills with Cy Fair Elite, the AAU team that clinched this year’s Nike national championship, where she showcased her ability to play both forward and point guard.

Adding to the excitement, McDowell shares the court with Aaliyah Chavez, the top-ranked recruit in the 2025 class, who recently included South Carolina in her final six schools, intensifying the Gamecocks’ already thrilling recruiting landscape.

Last season, McDowell demonstrated her dominance on the court at Cypress Springs High School, averaging an impressive 19.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Her athletic prowess isn’t limited to basketball; she also shines on the volleyball court, according to MaxPreps.

McDowell’s commitment came with a memorable touch—she unzipped her jacket during the livestream to reveal a Gamecocks shirt, sending fans into a frenzy. Coach Staley wasted no time expressing her excitement, posting on X (formerly Twitter) with a playful nod, “A birdie just flew in the nest.”

With the Gamecocks set to lose two of their three starting guards, Te-Hina Paopao and Bree Hall, McDowell’s addition brings a fresh boost to the roster and a promising future for South Carolina.

For in-depth coverage on South Carolina women’s basketball and exclusive insights into Coach Dawn Staley’s plans, stay tuned to CC News Network, where we bring you the latest updates on the Gamecocks, currently sitting at No. 1 in the USA TODAY preseason coaches poll.

About CC News Network Sports

At CC News Network Sports, we bring South Carolina sports to life with dedicated, in-depth coverage of the teams, athletes, and moments that matter most to fans across the state. From high school powerhouses and college athletics to South Carolina’s most loved teams, our goal is to deliver timely, engaging stories that capture the spirit of local sports. Whether it’s a buzzer-beating victory on the basketball court, a thrilling touchdown on Friday night, or the latest updates on top recruits choosing South Carolina schools, we go beyond the scores and stats to bring you the stories that make SC sports unforgettable. With expert analysis, exclusive interviews, and real-time updates, CC News Network Sports is your source for everything South Carolina sports fans need to stay informed and connected.

Connect with CC News Network:

Stay updated with Crime and Cask News latest investigations, book releases, and appearances by following him on social media. Join the growing community of readers and true crime enthusiasts who trust Crime and Cask for his insightful analysis and gripping storytelling.

Over 1,000,000 Million likes of Tiktok alone!

Social Media: