COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina women’s basketball 2025 exhibition game tips off Friday night at Colonial Life Arena, marking the unofficial start of what could be another powerhouse season under Coach Dawn Staley. The Gamecocks face Anderson University in a tune-up clash set for 7 p.m. ET, giving fans an early glimpse of a team stacked with new energy, veteran leadership, and high expectations.
Free Admission and Game Details
Fans can attend Friday’s exhibition for free, with general admission seating open across most of the arena. Select seats will be reserved for team and staff use.
Parking in lots immediately surrounding Colonial Life Arena will cost $20 per vehicle, so early arrival is recommended to beat traffic and secure a spot close to the action.
For those unable to make it in person, live stats are available here, and media sessions can be viewed via South Carolina’s official YouTube channel.
Gamecock Momentum: Records, Rankings, and Rivalries
South Carolina enters the season with an aura of dominance. Since 2009-10, the Gamecocks are 16-0 in exhibition contests, winning by an average margin of 56.2 points—a testament to Staley’s meticulous preparation and her team’s depth.
This year, South Carolina doubles down on preseason competition with two exhibition games, including a neutral-site matchup against an NCAA Division I opponent.
Their 2025–26 schedule reads like a gauntlet:
- 10 matchups against teams ranked in national preseason polls
- Three of those in non-conference play
- Six against top-10 programs
It’s a schedule that promises both challenge and spectacle — and perhaps a preview of future March Madness storylines.
Spotlight: Ta’Niya Latson Joins the Flock
Few transfers have drawn more national buzz than Ta’Niya Latson, last season’s NCAA scoring leader at 25.2 points per game. Rated by ESPN as the most impactful transfer entering 2025–26, Latson brings electric scoring, speed, and a relentless attacking mindset to Columbia.
Her decision to join South Carolina came down to one factor: Dawn Staley’s proven ability to prepare players for the WNBA. Latson’s move is more than a roster addition — it’s a signal that elite talent continues to view the Gamecocks as a premier destination for growth and exposure.
Related Stories You Might Like
- Edwards, Latson Honored by SEC Coaches
- Latson Named AP Preseason All-America
- 2025 Hall of Fame Profile: A’ja Wilson
Each of these stories adds to the rising anticipation surrounding the upcoming campaign — one built on legacy, fresh faces, and a championship mindset.
The Dawn of a New Season
Friday’s matchup is more than a warm-up. It’s a reunion of fans, a showcase of new chemistry, and the first spark of another title chase. As the lights dim and the first whistle blows, all eyes will turn to the hardwood, where the journey begins again.
The South Carolina women’s basketball 2025 exhibition game isn’t just the start of a season — it’s a statement.
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