Former South Carolina basketball standout Laeticia Amihere has added another major accomplishment to her growing basketball résumé, becoming a WNBA champion after the Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in a historic Game 7 of the 2026 WNBA Finals on Saturday night.
The victory delivered Golden State its first championship in franchise history and made the Valkyries the first team in WNBA history to capture a league title during their second season of existence. For Amihere, the championship represents another milestone in a career that has taken her from South Carolina’s championship-winning program to the highest level of professional women’s basketball.
Golden State survived a tense, physical contest against an Atlanta team determined to finish its remarkable postseason run with a championship. When the final buzzer sounded, the Valkyries had secured a 4-3 series victory, sending their home crowd into celebration and adding a new chapter to the WNBA’s history.
For Amihere, the moment was particularly meaningful. She became the latest former Gamecock to reach the top of professional women’s basketball.
Golden State Valkyries Make WNBA History
The Valkyries entered the 2026 season with an opportunity to establish themselves as a serious contender despite being one of the league’s newest franchises.
They ultimately delivered something unprecedented.
Golden State defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in the first winner-take-all Game 7 in WNBA Finals history. The franchise secured the championship in just its second season, accomplishing something no expansion team had previously achieved.
The atmosphere at Chase Center in San Francisco reflected the significance of the occasion.
Both teams understood what was at stake, and the game unfolded with the intensity expected from a championship-deciding contest. Every possession mattered, defensive stops became increasingly valuable, and neither team could afford an extended scoring drought.
Golden State eventually found a way to close the door.
Gabby Williams delivered an outstanding performance, finishing with 30 points and leading the Valkyries through their championship-clinching victory. Her scoring became particularly important during the second half as Golden State recovered from an early deficit.
The Valkyries’ defensive effort also proved crucial, helping them contain Atlanta when the Dream needed late baskets to keep their championship hopes alive.
The victory gave Golden State its first WNBA championship and established the franchise as one of the league’s most remarkable early success stories.
The Associated Press also documented the historic achievement in its Game 7 championship report.
Laeticia Amihere’s Contribution to the Championship Run
Although Amihere wasn’t one of Golden State’s primary scoring options, her presence provided valuable depth throughout the season.
The 25-year-old forward averaged 3.9 points and 3.0 rebounds in 11.7 minutes per game during the 2026 campaign.
Her numbers might not immediately attract attention, but her contributions became particularly noticeable during the postseason.
Amihere delivered one of her most productive performances in Game 6 against Atlanta, recording a season-high 10 rebounds in 20 minutes.
She also finished with a team-best plus-minus rating of +14, demonstrating the positive impact Golden State experienced while she was on the floor.
Her performance came during a difficult evening for the Valkyries.
Atlanta defeated Golden State 80-69, forcing the series into a decisive seventh game after the Dream had threatened to end the championship contest on their home floor.
Amihere’s rebounding effort helped Golden State remain competitive despite the defeat.
She also demonstrated why having dependable frontcourt depth matters during a lengthy playoff campaign. Rebounding, defensive positioning and physical presence can influence a game even when a player isn’t regularly finding the basket.
Amihere did not appear in the championship-clinching Game 7, but she remained part of the Golden State roster that completed the historic title run.
Her championship accomplishment reflects the collective effort required to navigate an entire WNBA season.
Amihere’s Journey From South Carolina to the WNBA
Before becoming a professional champion, Amihere established herself as an important member of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program.
She played for head coach Dawn Staley between 2019 and 2023, appearing in 127 games during her college career.
Although she started just four contests, Amihere became a valuable contributor to one of the most successful programs in women’s college basketball.
She averaged:
- 6.3 points per game
- 4.1 rebounds per game
- 127 career appearances
- Four career starts
Her college résumé included three SEC regular-season championships, three SEC Tournament titles and three appearances in the NCAA Final Four.
The biggest achievement came in 2022 when Amihere helped South Carolina capture the national championship.
That team featured an impressive collection of talent, with Staley guiding the Gamecocks through a dominant season that ended with another national title.
Amihere also made history beyond the college basketball court.
During her time at South Carolina, she became the first player in the program’s women’s basketball history to compete in the Olympics while still in college.
She represented Canada at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, adding international experience to an already impressive basketball résumé.
Her accomplishments at South Carolina helped establish the foundation for her professional career.
From Atlanta Dream Draft Pick to Golden State Champion
Amihere entered the professional ranks after the Atlanta Dream selected her eighth overall in the first round of the 2023 WNBA Draft.
The selection represented a significant opportunity for the former Gamecock, who joined a franchise looking to strengthen its roster with young talent.
She spent her first two professional seasons in Atlanta before eventually joining Golden State.
The move provided an opportunity to continue developing her game while competing for a growing franchise with championship ambitions.
Amihere signed with the Valkyries in April 2025, according to her official WNBA player profile.
Her transition to Golden State ultimately produced the biggest professional accomplishment of her career.
Winning a championship is never guaranteed in professional basketball, particularly for players who must compete for minutes and establish themselves within a demanding rotation.
Amihere’s journey demonstrates the importance of persistence, adaptability and remaining prepared when opportunities arrive.
Another Gamecock Championship Connection
Amihere’s championship also adds another name to South Carolina’s growing list of former players who have reached the WNBA summit.
Her victory came against three familiar faces.
Former Gamecocks Allisha Gray, Te-Hina Paopao and Madina Okot were all members of the Atlanta Dream roster that fell just short of winning the championship.
Gray was particularly influential during the Finals, helping Atlanta remain competitive throughout the series.
For the former South Carolina teammates, the championship matchup created an unusual situation: one former Gamecock group would celebrate a professional title while another would finish the season just one victory short.
Amihere now joins A’ja Wilson and Alaina Coates as the third former South Carolina player to win a WNBA championship.
Wilson captured titles with the Las Vegas Aces in 2022, 2023 and 2025, while Coates won a championship with Las Vegas in 2023.
Their professional accomplishments further highlight the impact of Staley’s program on the women’s basketball landscape.
A New Milestone for South Carolina Women’s Basketball
Amihere’s championship represents more than an individual achievement.
It reinforces South Carolina’s reputation as a program capable of developing players who can compete and succeed at the highest levels of women’s basketball.
From national championships in college to international competition and professional titles, the former Gamecock has continued to build an impressive basketball résumé.
Her role with Golden State might not always generate headlines, but championship teams need contributions throughout their rosters.
For Amihere, the 2026 season has delivered a career-defining reward.
She arrived in Golden State looking for an opportunity to establish herself in the WNBA. She leaves the season with a championship ring and a place in the franchise’s history.
And with another former Gamecock reaching the pinnacle of professional basketball, the story of the Laeticia Amihere WNBA Championship 2026 becomes another reminder of South Carolina’s remarkable influence on the women’s game.
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