Let’s be real—when you walk into Colonial Life Arena and that crowd’s going nuts, you know you’re in the heart of Gamecock country. Three natty titles, legends in every era, and a vibe that just screams “we run this.” South Carolina women’s basketball? That’s a whole legacy, built on sweat, attitude, and banners hanging so high they practically touch the rafters. So, who are the queens of this court? Let’s get into it.
A’ja Wilson: The One Who Changed Everything
Listen, if you don’t start the convo with A’ja Wilson, you’re doing it wrong. She didn’t just play—she dragged the entire program into superstardom. From 2014 to 2018, she dropped a wild 2,389 points (yeah, she holds that school record), snatching up every trophy like it was her job:
- Three-time SEC Player of the Year
- 2018 Naismith College Player of the Year
- Wade Trophy winner
- 2017 NCAA Tourney MOP
Wilson basically put the “Gamecock” in Gamecocks, grabbing that first national title in 2017 and getting her number retired. If you ever roll up to the Arena and see that statue out front? That’s A’ja, still flexing on everybody. And she’s not done—she’s still running the WNBA, scooping MVPs and rings. All roads out of Columbia lead straight to her.
Shannon “Pee Wee” Johnson: Straight Buckets
Before Coach Staley was even in the picture, it was all about Shannon Johnson—or “Pee Wee,” if you know. The woman was a walking bucket from 1992 to 1996, racking up 2,230 points. Only person who’s beat that? See above.
But here’s the kicker: Johnson’s the only Gamecock who averaged over 20 points a game for not one, not two, but three seasons straight. That’s consistency that slaps. Her jersey’s up in the rafters, and she kept it rolling after college—pro ball, Team USA, you name it. Pee Wee ran so the next gen could fly.
Martha Parker-Hester: The OG
Back in the ‘80s, when nobody outside Columbia really cared about women’s hoops down South, Martha Parker-Hester was already making noise. She swiped balls, dropped buckets, and set standards people still chase today.
She’s one of the originals—jersey retired, legend status secured. The foundation for this whole powerhouse? That’s on Martha. She’s the reason there even is a story to tell.
Tiffany Mitchell: The Dawn Staley Era Starter Pack
So, Dawn Staley rolls in as coach in 2008, and suddenly here comes Tiffany Mitchell—the guard who flipped the switch. Two-time SEC Player of the Year, All-American, and basically the reason people started taking South Carolina seriously again.
Mitchell could create her own shot, run the floor, run the locker room, whatever you needed. She’s top ten all-time in points, but even more, she was the bridge from “pretty good” to “national powerhouse.” The original blueprint in the Staley playbook.
Alaina Coates: Tough as Nails
If you went up against Alaina Coates in the paint, you probably left with bruises. Rebounds, blocks, and that no-nonsense “get off my block” energy—she anchored the Gamecocks during the climb to the top. SEC rings, deep tourney runs, all with Coates locking it down inside. She was the muscle when the team needed it.
Aliyah Boston: The Wall
If Wilson is the heart, Aliyah Boston is the backbone. From 2019 to 2023, she owned the glass—1,493 rebounds, more than anyone in program history. But it’s not just numbers:
- 2022 Naismith Player of the Year
- Stack of Defensive Player of the Year awards
- 2022 NCAA Tournament MOP (and another natty!)
Boston was the anchor who made sure nobody got easy buckets. If you drove the lane, you paid the toll. Now her jersey’s retired too—legend meets legend.
Kamilla Cardoso: The New Kid Who’s Already a Legend
And then there’s Kamilla Cardoso, the newest name on everybody’s lips after she went off in the 2024 championship run. She’s massive, efficient, and already looks like she belongs in the Gamecock Bigs Hall of Fame. Sure, she’s just getting started in the pros, but anybody who watched that tourney knows—she’s next up.
So, Who’s Your All-Time Starting Five?
Look, fans love to argue about this, but if you’re going off impact, legacy, and who’d scare the hell out of any opponent, here’s the lineup:
- PG: Shannon Johnson
- SG: Martha Parker-Hester
- SF: Tiffany Mitchell
- PF: Alaina Coates
- C: A’ja Wilson
And who’s calling the shots from the sideline? C’mon, it’s gotta be Dawn Staley—the woman who turned dreams into banners.
Honestly, good luck beating that squad.
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