COLUMBIA, S.C. — The buzz inside Colonial Life Arena is already building as South Carolina women’s basketball 2025 exhibition lineup takes shape. Coach Dawn Staley has officially revealed her starting five for Friday night’s exhibition against Anderson, blending seasoned leadership with fresh firepower to kick off the Gamecocks’ title pursuit.
Starting Five Brings Balance of Experience and Power
Leading the charge is Raven Johnson, the steady-handed senior point guard who started every game last season. She’ll be flanked by two explosive new transfers — Ta’Niya Latson from Florida State and Madina Okot from Mississippi State — both expected to make an immediate impact. Completing the lineup are sharpshooting junior Tessa Johnson and versatile sophomore Joyce Edwards, whose relentless energy made her South Carolina’s leading scorer as a freshman.
Latson enters the SEC with serious credentials. The 5-foot-8 guard led the nation in scoring last year, averaging 25.2 points per game for the Seminoles. Her electric speed and ability to create offense out of chaos could add a new dimension to the Gamecocks’ transition play. USA TODAY Sports highlights Latson’s consistency — she’s scored at least 21 points per game in every collegiate season so far.
In the paint, Okot brings size and dominance rarely seen since Kamilla Cardoso’s departure. At 6-foot-6, she’s a rim protector and rebound machine, averaging 11.3 points and 9.6 boards last season while shooting a blistering 64.9% from the field, fourth-best in the nation. Staley called Okot “the anchor we needed” during the team’s preseason press availability.
Returning Core Keeps the Engine Running
Behind the headlines of new additions, South Carolina’s returning talent provides stability.
- Raven Johnson continues to evolve as the team’s floor general, contributing on both ends with nearly five rebounds per game.
- Tessa Johnson, who came off the bench last year, remains one of the SEC’s best perimeter shooters, knocking down 43% from three.
- Joyce Edwards, last year’s breakout freshman, averaged 12.7 points and injected energy into every possession.
With the loss of Chloe Kitts to a season-ending ACL tear (Greenville News report), Staley’s emphasis has shifted to fostering chemistry and balanced scoring across positions.
Dawn Staley’s Message: “Play Like You’ve Been Coached”
For Staley, this first of two exhibition games isn’t about the scoreboard — it’s about identity. “My expectation is to really play like you’ve been coached,” she said on October 23. “Play like you’ve been practicing. It takes a while to transition from a quiet gym to a packed arena, but I want us to stay cohesive.”
That focus on unity isn’t just for veterans. Staley’s two freshmen, Ayla McDowell and Agot Makeer, have impressed early, showing poise beyond their years. “They’re super talented and confident,” Staley added. “Not many instances where they look like freshmen.”
Eyes on Atlanta
Friday’s game against Anderson (7 p.m. ET, Colonial Life Arena) is just the beginning. South Carolina’s second and final exhibition will be Oct. 30 in Atlanta against North Carolina, giving the coaching staff another glimpse of how new lineups mesh under real pressure.
The season’s early test, however, may reveal something more important than numbers — how this team embraces Staley’s long-standing mantra: discipline, heart, and trust.
As the lights dim and the Gamecocks take the floor, fans will see not just familiar faces but the next generation of contenders stepping confidently into their moment. For Dawn Staley, that’s the real win she’s chasing before opening night — a team that already plays like one.
For full coverage of South Carolina women’s basketball and the latest on Dawn Staley’s squad, visit The Greenville News.
The Gamecocks open their season with energy, chemistry, and ambition — making the South Carolina women’s basketball 2025 exhibition lineup one to watch as the program’s next championship run begins.
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