So, big weekend in Columbia—like, the kind that gets people checking their phones every five minutes. Kelsi Andrews, yeah, that Kelsi Andrews, is pulling up for her official visit with Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks. She’s a 6’4” tower from IMG Academy, and honestly, half the country’s probably drooling over the idea of her in their jersey. Class of 2026, and already people are talking like she’s the next big thing.
Everyone Wants Her—And For Good Reason
Let’s not kid ourselves—Andrews isn’t out here getting attention for nothing. ESPN’s got her at No. 21 for the 2026 class, and 247Sports says she’s basically the second-best center out there. The scouts? They rave about her footwork, her size, her defense. It’s like she was built in a lab to torment anyone who tries to score in the paint.
She’s already got the “big moments” gene, too. Just ask Montverde Academy. Back in April, Andrews basically put IMG Academy on her back and dropped a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double in overtime to snag a national title. No pressure, right? Some people fold in those games. She just eats.
Blue Bloods Lining Up
You know someone’s legit when the offer list reads like a March Madness bracket. Ohio State, Duke, UNC, LSU, Notre Dame—yeah, they all want a piece. She’s already visited Auburn, Virginia, LSU, and Mississippi State. It’s like The Bachelor, but with more layups and fewer roses.
But here’s the deal: South Carolina’s got a secret weapon. Dawn Staley. She turns bigs into WNBA monsters. If you’re a post player and you want to get paid someday, Columbia’s looking pretty sweet.
Oh, and She Wins Gold Medals Too
If you thought she just dominates high school gyms, think again. She’s already repping Team USA, picking up gold at the FIBA Americas U16s with 6 points, 6.5 boards, and nearly two blocks a game. They went back-to-back, too—she played at the U17 World Cup last summer. Numbers were a bit lower, but, I mean, she was playing against the best teenagers in the world. Just being there is nuts.
And this year? She got invited to the U19 Team USA trials. Not bad for a kid who probably still has to ask permission to stay out past 11.
What’s on the Line for South Carolina?
Honestly, pulling in Andrews would be a flex for Staley. The Gamecocks are already running the show in women’s hoops, but the WNBA keeps snatching up their stars, so they gotta keep restocking. Getting Andrews? That’s like saying, “Yeah, we’re not going anywhere.”
Between the wild crowd at Colonial Life Arena, the banners hanging from the rafters, and Staley’s “I’ll make you a pro” track record, South Carolina’s giving her the hard sell. Whether she bites or not, you can bet everyone from recruiting nerds to die-hard fans will be glued to this visit. No pressure, Kelsi.
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