Gamecocks Star F Kitts Faces Season-Ending ACL Injury: What It Means for the Team

South Carolina women’s basketball star Chloe Kitts will miss the entire 2025-2026 season due to a torn ACL in her right knee. The school announced that she will undergo surgery shortly.

At 6-foot-2, Kitts has been a key player for the Gamecocks. She helped lead the team to a national championship in 2024 and reached the NCAA finals last year. In the past season, she played 38 games, averaging 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Her skills earned her the MVP title in both the SEC tournament and the Birmingham 2 Regional. As a sophomore, she also had a solid season, starting 31 games with averages of 9.1 points and 5.9 rebounds.

South Carolina’s coach, Dawn Staley, expressed her sadness for Kitts. “Chloe has worked incredibly hard this season,” she said. Staley believes Kitts will still contribute to the team’s spirit, even from the sidelines. Her teammates are expected to rally and fill the gap left by Kitts’ absence.

This injury comes at a crucial time; Kitts was projected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. Despite the setback, she has not ruled out the possibility of entering the draft or returning for another season of college basketball.

Kitts shared her feelings in an Instagram post, thanking her supporters and emphasizing her faith and determination. “While this isn’t how I expected my senior season would go, I’m trusting God’s timing,” she wrote.

Injuries like Kitts’ are common in high-level sports. According to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, about 200,000 ACL injuries occur each year in the U.S., many among athletes. Recovery can take several months, and the emotional impact can be significant, especially for players close to their final season.

Kitts’ journey reflects the resilience many athletes show when facing adversity. Her commitment to her team will likely inspire others, illustrating the strength found in unity, even in tough times.



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