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Dawn Staley Makes Strong Ashlyn Watkins Statement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dean Koutouratsas | Last updated Jul 26, 2025 5:00 PM ET

After playing three seasons under head coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina Gamecocks forward Ashlyn Watkins will not be playing for the SEC powerhouse during the upcoming season.

Watkins announced in an Instagram post Friday that she wants to take more time to focus on herself after having a “roller coaster” of a year.

“As most of you know, this past year has been a roller coaster for me,” her post read. “I usually like to keep my personal life private, but every time I step out into the community, I realize I’m not alone in this journey.”

“So many of you have shown me love and encouragement, and because of that, I feel like I owe you a little insight into what’s been going on.”

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Staley, who has coached South Carolina since 2008, issued a statement on Watkins' announcement to The Greenville News.

“Everyone in our program is valued as the whole of who they are, not just as a player or coach and not just for the time they are on the team,” Staley's statement read. “We will support Ashlyn as she works through getting her body and mind stronger; we will be here when she is ready to return.”

It has been a difficult year for Watkins on and off the court. She was suspended at the start of last season due to facing assault and kidnapping charges. The charges and suspension were dismissed, and Watkins rejoined the team for its second game of the season, a win against No. 9 N.C. State on Nov. 10 in which she scored six points in 19 minutes.

However, her season ended prematurely due to tearing her ACL during a game on Jan. 5 against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. In 14 games, the junior averaged 7.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks per game.

“With everything that’s happened this year, I’m going to take some time off to focus on myself, community, faith and family, so that I can grow as an individual and attempt to master this journey,” Watkins added. “For now, I’ll be cheering on my team and working hard to come back even stronger in the 2026-27 season.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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