Chloe Kitts’ Growth at South Carolina Leaves Dawn Staley in Awe: ‘I Can’t Believe It Sometimes’

As we bring you the latest update, South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley is marveling at the growth and progress of junior forward Chloe Kitts since she joined the team in 2022. Staley recently admitted during a postgame press conference that Kitts’ transformation has been nothing short of “unbelievable.”

“She’s grown in every aspect of her life—mentally, physically, emotionally,” Staley said. “We have grown-up conversations, and I can’t believe it sometimes because of how she came in. Now she is really thought-provoking. She is really asking all the right things.”

Kitts made her mark after joining the Gamecocks in December 2022, when she enrolled early in college, skipping her senior year of high school to be part of the team. Her rapid development has left a lasting impact on the program.

In the same press conference, Kitts reflected on her emotions as she sank the key free throws to seal the win for South Carolina against Duke. “I told myself that my coach wanted me to have the ball at the end of the game because she knew I could make my free throws,” Kitts shared. “And I told myself that I’m really good at basketball, and I made both of them.”

Chloe Kitts’ performance played a crucial role in the Gamecocks’ victory over the Duke Blue Devils in a tense Elite Eight matchup. South Carolina triumphed 54-50, advancing to their fifth consecutive Final Four. The game saw an intense back-and-forth, with Duke leading 42-38 after the third quarter. However, South Carolina came alive in the fourth, scoring the first eight points to regain control and ultimately secure the win.

Kitts was instrumental in the Gamecocks’ success, contributing 14 points and 4 rebounds. Her pivotal fourth-quarter layup gave South Carolina a 46-42 lead, followed by the two free throws that sealed the victory. Her clutch performance under pressure highlighted her growing significance to the team.

South Carolina’s defense was also crucial in the win, forcing 19 Duke turnovers and holding them to just 32% shooting. Despite Duke’s strong rebounding efforts, the Gamecocks showed resilience, executing their strategy effectively to outlast their opponents.

This season, Kitts has been a standout player, averaging 10.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game—numbers that reflect her increasing importance to the Gamecocks’ success.