Where to Watch Texas vs. South Carolina Women’s Basketball: Live Stream & TV Channel – NCAA Final Four

In the midst of the excitement surrounding the South Carolina Women’s Basketball team, one player stands out, not for her vocal presence, but for the quiet yet undeniable impact she’s made: Maddy McDaniel.

While her teammates are often the loud, energetic personalities on the court, McDaniel keeps to herself, embracing her reserved nature. Despite only playing 14 seconds in their recent game, she’s secured her place in history—McDaniel is headed to the Final Four.

Known as “Mouse” by her teammates, she doesn’t demand attention but instead lets her actions on the court do the talking. “I’m quiet, I’m small,” McDaniel reflects humbly.

But the game speaks volumes for her.

This season, McDaniel wasn’t expected to be a standout player. As a freshman joining a well-established backcourt, it was assumed she’d spend most of her time learning from the sidelines. However, her talent quickly proved too significant to ignore.

Though her playing time has varied, McDaniel has proven time and again that she can deliver when called upon. In the first-round blowout against Tennessee Tech, she played 18 minutes, contributing 2 points and 3 assists.

“I feel great,” she said after that game. “It was great to get out there, play with my teammates, get my feet wet. All that was great. It was fun, too, especially putting a 60-piece out, that was fun.”

One highlight was a well-timed lob to fellow freshman Adhel Tac, showcasing the potential of their budding chemistry. That moment had everyone—coaches, fans, and teammates alike—dreaming of many more such plays in the years ahead.

“It was great cause like, it’s gonna be great (down) the line, me and Adhel finding that chemistry,” McDaniel said. “It was good to go out there and get that little one thing for people to see, that little sneak peek.”

As the tournament has progressed and the games have become more intense, McDaniel’s minutes have been more limited. She played just one minute against Indiana, three against Maryland, and, realistically, almost zero against Duke. However, Coach Dawn Staley has trusted her enough to put McDaniel in during crucial moments, and she’s responded each time.

Against Indiana, McDaniel was called in for the final stretch of the third quarter with clear instructions: score. Using a screen from Chloe Kitts, McDaniel maneuvered past her defender and finished with a layup.

“She said this is your moment, use your speed,” McDaniel recalled. “That’s what she wanted. She said go downhill and do what you do.”

And that’s exactly what McDaniel did—she executed when it mattered, earning the trust of her coach to continue playing pivotal roles in key moments.

“Maddy’s always learning, she’s always ready,” Staley said. “I thought that because Chloe was getting off, they were sticking more closely to her in the third quarter. I thought it would create an opportunity for Maddy to get to the basket and get a layup and she went and executed just that.”

In the Duke game, McDaniel saw just 14 seconds at the end of the third quarter. Yet, in that brief moment, she helped Raven Johnson rest and avoid picking up a fourth foul. That stretch coincided with a crucial 10-0 run that turned the tide of the game.

Despite her limited playing time, McDaniel’s ability to stay prepared has been key. Earlier in the tournament, she shared her approach to staying ready, knowing there’s no guarantee she’ll step onto the floor.

“Yeah, I definitely feel prepared,” she said. “We had some good days in practice, good days. And then we had some good hours after practice too, even before, so I feel I feel real prepared.”

For McDaniel, it’s all about being ready when the team needs her the most.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” she reflected. “I couldn’t have asked to be in a better position than to go to the Final Four in my freshman year.”

Despite her quiet demeanor, McDaniel’s impact has been loud and clear. Her steady contributions have played a crucial role in South Carolina’s success, and as they head to the Final Four, it’s clear that McDaniel will continue to make an impact—quietly, but powerfully.