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Kamilla Cardoso, Others React After Unexpected Ashlyn Watkins News Emerges

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dean Koutouratsas | Last updated Jul 26, 2025 3:06 PM ET

Almost four months after watching from the sidelines as her team fell short of winning back-to-back national championships, South Carolina Gamecocks forward Ashlyn Watkins announced she will be stepping away from the court.

Watkins posted on her Instagram account Friday that she will not be playing this upcoming season because she wants to focus more on herself.

“As most of you know, this past year has been a roller coaster for me,” Watkins said. “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, because of that, I feel like I owe you a little insight into what’s been going on."

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It has been a difficult past 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 later 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, Watkins tore her ACL against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Jan. 5, ending her season. In 14 games, the junior averaged 7.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks per game.

Watkins continued: “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 of life.”

Following Watkins’ announcement, former Gamecocks teammate Kamilla Cardoso (Chicago Sky) and multiple others reacted to her decision.

“❤️❤️,” Cardoso shared in the comment section.

“Hold it down, Grandma Ash in due time ❤️,” former South Carolina guard Bree Hall wrote.

“You got this ❤️❤️,” former Gamecock Sania Feagin commented (Los Angeles Sparks).

“Let’s go ❤️,” former South Carolina forward Laeticia Amihere (Golden State Valkyries) wrote.

“❤️❤️,” Gamecocks forward Adhel Tac shared.

“Bounce back going to be crazy, God timing ,” another commented.

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

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