BREAKING NEWS: MiLaysia Fulwiley Announces Return to South Carolina Gamecocks for 2025–26 Season**
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**COLUMBIA, S.C. —** In a highly anticipated announcement, South Carolina Gamecocks star guard MiLaysia Fulwiley declared her intention to return for the 2025–26 women’s college basketball season, quelling recent transfer rumors. Speaking to a packed Colonial Life Arena, Fulwiley confidently stated, “I’m not going anywhere,” signaling her commitment to the program and its future aspirations.
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### A Season of Growth and Recognition
Fulwiley’s sophomore season was marked by significant personal development and team success. Averaging 12.0 points per game, she earned the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year award and was named to the All-SEC Second Team. Her performance was instrumental in South Carolina’s third consecutive SEC Tournament title. Additionally, Fulwiley was a finalist for The Dawn Staley Award, recognizing her exceptional skills in ball-handling, scoring, and leadership. citeturn0search4
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### Coach Dawn Staley’s Vision for Fulwiley
Head coach Dawn Staley has been a pivotal figure in Fulwiley’s development. Despite coming off the bench, Staley emphasized the importance of Fulwiley’s role in the team’s success. Staley has encouraged Fulwiley to leverage her ability to drive to the basket, enhancing her offensive game beyond the three-point line. “When you add her ability to get to the basket and take simple layups, it adds up,” Staley noted. citeturn0search6
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### The Road Ahead
With Fulwiley’s return, the Gamecocks are poised to remain a formidable force in women’s college basketball. Her decision to stay underscores her dedication to the program and its goals. As South Carolina continues to build on its legacy, Fulwiley’s leadership and talent will be central to their pursuit of another national championship.
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South Carolina Gamecocks star guard MiLaysia Fulwiley has announced that she’s returning for the 2025-26 season. During an emotional announcement at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina, Fulwiley declared, “I’m not going anywhere.” This decision comes as a surprise to many, given her rising stock and potential professional opportunities.
*Fulwiley’s Statement and Future Plans*
– Fulwiley emphasized her commitment to the program, stating, “This is my home. This is my family. I’ve got unfinished business with this jersey on. We’re chasing greatness, and I want to be right here when we get there.”
– Her return is bolstered by a landmark $5.2 million NIL deal, one of the largest in women’s college basketball history.
*Reaction from Coach Dawn Staley*
– Staley expressed her excitement, promising to build the team around Fulwiley. “We’re building around MiLaysia. She’s special. She’s not only one of the most gifted players I’ve ever coached, but she’s also a fierce competitor and an incredible teammate.”
– Staley also highlighted Fulwiley’s growth, mentioning their reconciliation after a “challenging but respectful misunderstanding” earlier in the season ¹ ².
*Impact on the Team and College Basketball*
– Fulwiley’s return solidifies South Carolina’s position as a national title contender, showcasing her loyalty and leadership.
– This decision sends a powerful message about program culture and team chemistry, highlighting the importance of player-coach relationships and team cohesion.
– Fulwiley’s presence will likely draw significant attention in the upcoming season, given her impressive skills and highlight-reel plays ³ ⁴.
iturn0image0turn0image1turn0image2turn0image6**BREAKING NEWS: MiLaysia Fulwiley Announces Return to South Carolina Gamecocks for 2025-26 Season**
In a thrilling development for South Carolina women’s basketball, star guard MiLaysia Fulwiley has officially announced her decision to return for the 2025-26 season, quelling any speculation about her future with the Gamecocks. The announcement was made during a packed event at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina, where Fulwiley addressed the crowd with the emphatic statement, “I’m not going anywhere.”
**A Rising Star in Women’s Basketball**
Fulwiley, a sophomore guard hailing from Columbia, South Carolina, has quickly become one of the most electrifying players in college basketball. Standing at 5’10”, she possesses a unique blend of athleticism, court vision, and scoring ability that has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. Her dynamic playstyle and leadership on the court have made her a fan favorite and a key contributor to the Gamecocks’ success.
**Dawn Staley’s Commitment to Fulwiley’s Development**
Head coach Dawn Staley, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and Hall of Famer, has been instrumental in Fulwiley’s development. Staley has praised Fulwiley’s talent, calling her a “generational talent” and highlighting her ability to perform skills on the basketball court that Staley herself has rarely seen in female players citeturn0search7. This endorsement underscores the high expectations and confidence the coaching staff has in Fulwiley’s potential.
**Impact on the Gamecocks’ 2025-26 Season**
Fulwiley’s return is expected to have a significant impact on the Gamecocks’ lineup and their prospects for the upcoming season. Her scoring prowess and leadership qualities will be crucial as South Carolina aims to build upon its recent successes and contend for another national championship. The addition of Fulwiley to the roster provides a boost to the team’s depth and versatility, making them a formidable opponent in the Southeastern Conference and on the national stage.
**Looking Ahead**
As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on MiLaysia Fulwiley and the South Carolina Gamecocks. With a talented roster and a committed coaching staff, the team is poised for another successful campaign. Fulwiley’s decision to return not only strengthens the Gamecocks’ lineup but also reaffirms her dedication to her teammates and the program.
For more updates on MiLaysia Fulwiley and the South Carolina Gamecocks, stay tuned to official team communications and reputable sports news outlets.
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