Gamecocks Strike Gold: South Carolina Lands Elite Wing Ayla McDowell in 2025 Class
South Carolina women’s basketball continues to flex its recruiting power, landing a massive commitment from one of the nation’s most coveted prospects Ayla McDowell. The 6-foot-2 wing out of Cypress Springs High School in Texas officially joins the Gamecocks’ 2025 class, and her decision is already sending waves through the college basketball world.
Ranked No. 22 on ESPNW’s Top 100 list for the class of 2025, McDowell is the kind of player who checks every box. Athleticism? Elite. Skillset? Polished. Versatility? Off the charts. She averaged nearly 20 points, 9 rebounds, over 2 steals, and 2 assists per game during her junior campaign production that highlights her ability to take over games in a variety of ways. Whether she’s slashing to the basket, pulling up for a jumper, or locking down the opposition’s best scorer, McDowell plays with a maturity that belies her age.
That all-around excellence earned her the prestigious honor of being named a McDonald’s All-American an accolade reserved for the best of the best in high school basketball.
But McDowell’s résumé doesn’t stop at the national level.
She’s also made her mark internationally, representing Brazil at the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup. In that tournament, McDowell led her team in scoring, averaging nearly 15 points per game and showcasing her ability to shine on a global stage. Her performance against top-tier international competition only further cements her readiness for the college game.
Head coach Dawn Staley, no stranger to building championship-caliber rosters, was effusive in her praise of the young star. “Ayla is a Swiss Army knife,” Staley said. “She can score from all three levels, guard every position, and elevate the players around her. She’s the type of competitor who sets the tone the moment she steps on the floor.”
Staley also noted McDowell’s leadership qualities, hinting that she could grow into a team captain role before her time in Columbia is through. “She’s a natural leader. The way she communicates, the way she competes it’s exactly what we look for at South Carolina,” Staley added.
McDowell’s commitment solidifies the Gamecocks’ position at the top of the women’s college basketball landscape. Coming off another dominant season and with a roster already stacked with elite talent, the addition of a player like McDowell makes the future even brighter.
For South Carolina fans, this is more than just another top-25 recruit it’s the arrival of a game-changer. Ayla McDowell has all the tools to become a star in Columbia, and if her high school and international career are any indication, she’s only just getting started.
The rest of the SEC and the country has officially been put on notice.
Leave a Reply