South Carolina loses Maddy McDaniel, leaving roster changes for Dawn Staley
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 8, 2026, 3:25 AM
Last updated Aug 8, 2026
South Carolina women's basketball has lost junior point guard Maddy McDaniel, who has withdrawn from school, reducing the team's roster to 14 players. Coach Dawn Staley must now consider options for the upcoming season, including potential new players or utilizing existing talent. The NCAA's recent rule change on eligibility could provide opportunities to add a player midseason, an approach Staley has successfully employed before. Despite the roster reduction, South Carolina’s recruiting class remains strong, and the team may rely on current players to step up in McDaniel's absence.
- •Maddy McDaniel has withdrawn from South Carolina.
- •The roster is now at 14 players, one short of the maximum.
- •NCAA's new eligibility rules may allow for midseason additions.
- •Dawn Staley is considering both current players and new recruits.
- •South Carolina has a strong recruiting class for the upcoming season.
- 3:25 AMYahoo Sports — Prayers Pour In After Dawn Staley Announces Departure of South Carolina Guard From The University
- 9:30 PMYahoo Sports — Does Dawn Staley need to add player with Maddy McDaniel gone, and what are her options?
"South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel is stepping away from the program for a period to focus on her mental and emotional well-being. Veteran Head coach and former WNBA star Dawn Staley is giving her every bit of space, grace, and support she needs to do exactly that.
"South Carolina women's basketball thought it had all 15 players ready for the season but Maddy McDaniel is gone, leaving options for Dawn Staley.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 8, 2026, 3:25 AMPrayers Pour In After Dawn Staley Announces Departure of South Carolina Guard From The University
South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel is stepping away from the program for a period to focus on her mental and emotional well-being. Veteran Head coach and former WNBA star Dawn Staley is giving her every bit of space, grace, and support she needs to do exactly that.
- Yahoo SportsAug 7, 2026, 9:30 PMDoes Dawn Staley need to add player with Maddy McDaniel gone, and what are her options?
South Carolina women's basketball thought it had all 15 players ready for the season but Maddy McDaniel is gone, leaving options for Dawn Staley.
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