By Thomas Grant Jr.
The University of South Carolina women’s basketball team will have to wait until 2026 for forward Ashlyn Watkin’s return.
Last week, the Cardinal Newman graduate announced her plans to miss the upcoming season. She’s continuing her recovery from an ACL injury suffered on Jan. 5 against Mississippi State.
This was Watkins’ statement on Instagram:
“As most of you know, this past year has been a roller coaster for me,” she wrote on Instagram. “l 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 l owe you a little insight into what’s been going on.
“I also want the younger ones who look up to me to know that tough times don’t define you; they make you stronger. With everything that’s happened this year, I’m going to take some time off to focus on myself, my community, my faith, and my family, so that I can grow as an individual and attempt to master this journey of life.
“I’m so grateful for my coaches, the USC medical team, my teammates, and everyone who’s supported me along the way,” Watkins concluded. “For now, I’ll be cheering on my team and working hard to COME BACK EVEN STRONGER IN THE 2026-27 SEASON.”
Watkins missed the early portion of the season after getting suspended following an August arrest for assault, battery, and kidnapping charges.
The case was dismissed, and Watkins returned to average 7.2 points and 6.1 rebounds in 14 games last season for the national runner-up. Those numbers are similar to her career average for the Gamecocks.
“Everyone in our program is valued as the whole of who they are, not just as a player or coach or staff member, and not just for the time they are on our team,” South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said in a statement. “We will support Ashlyn as she works through getting her body and mind stronger, and we will be here when she is ready to return.”
(Photo courtesy of University of South Carolina athletics)
