Maddy McDaniel steps away from South Carolina basketball for mental health

South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel announced her decision to step away from the team to focus on her mental and emotional well-being. Head coach Dawn Staley supported McDaniel’s choice, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing player health. McDaniel expressed her struggle with mental strength in a social media post and recognized the need to take a break. The Gamecocks will face challenges as they will be without McDaniel, a key rotational player, as they integrate new roles following recent graduate departures. There is no specified timeline for McDaniel's potential return.

• 1:27 AMYahoo Sports — Dawn Staley Releases Statement After Mental Health Leads South Carolina Star to Step Away From The Team