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EspañolSouth Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said an NCAA champion is returning next season.
“Chloe [Kitts] will come back next year," Staley said. "I think she said that on Instagram. Right? Well, as far as I know (she’s coming back). Transfer portal isn't open yet.”
Kitts, a 6-foot-2 forward, tore the ACL in her right knee in September and is out for the season. Before Staley's confirmation, it was unclear if Kitts would return to South Carolina or declare for the 2026 WNBA Draft. Kitts hasn't announced her return on Instagram. Staley may have been referring to an October 2025 post the Gamecocks senior made when sharing news of her ACL injury.
"While this isn't how I hoped my senior season would go, I'm trusting God's timing and purpose," Kitts wrote. "I'll continue to lead, support and push my team from the sidelines. We have big things ahead!"
Before her injury, Kitts started was a starter for the Gamecocks. The South Carolina forward was part of the undefeated 2023-2024 team that won a national championship. Kitts posted career highs in points (10.2), rebounds (7.7), assists (1.9) and steals (0.7) her junior season.
Kitts won MVP at the 2025 SEC Tournament and averaged 10.6 points during South Carolina's NCAA Tournament run. Kitts finished the 2025 NCAA Tournament with two double-doubles, including 15 points and 11 rebounds in the Sweet 16.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dawn Staley says Chloe Kitts will return to South Carolina women's basketball