Ashlyn Watkins makes history with third consecutive dunk for South Carolina
- Ashlyn Watkins achieved a dunk in a game against ninth-ranked TCU during an 85-52 victory.
- This marks her third consecutive season with a dunk, having previously dunked as a freshman and sophomore.
- Her accomplishment is significant for women's basketball and has generated excitement for the sport.
In Fort Worth, Texas, Ashlyn Watkins, a 6-foot-3 junior forward for the third-ranked South Carolina women's basketball team, made headlines by achieving a notable accomplishment in her basketball career: a dunk during a game against ninth-ranked TCU. This remarkable event occurred on Sunday night during a dominant 85-52 victory for South Carolina, where Watkins showcased her skills, scoring with a powerful right-handed dunk that captivated fans and her teammates alike. The play came following a steal by Madison Conner, demonstrating not only Watkins' athleticism but also her teamwork and ability to seize opportunities on the court. This was not the first time Watkins had performed such a feat, as she has now successfully dunked in each of her three seasons at South Carolina, making her a trailblazer in her program's history. Her first dunk came during her freshman year against Clemson, where she made a landmark entry into the record books as the first player to dunk in program history. Last season, she replicated the achievement at a home game against Kentucky, where she sprinted the length of the court before making the shot. Watkins arrived at the university renowned for her dunking ability, highlighted by her victory in the dunk contest at the McDonald's All-American game prior to her collegiate career. The positive reaction from fans and her bench during the recent game against TCU underscored the effect her play had not only on the score but also on promoting women's basketball. Coach Dawn Staley remarked on the excitement generated by Watkins' impressive dunk, indicating that the crowd's explosion of cheers enriched the experience of the game and contributed to increasing the visibility and appeal of women's sports. With only a few more miles separating the venue from TCU's campus, the atmosphere turned electric as spectators witnessed Watkins reach new heights in her athletic performance. As she progresses into her junior season, Ashlyn Watkins continues to solidify her legacy in women’s collegiate basketball. With her skills and accomplishments, she serves as an inspiring figure for aspiring athletes, highlighting the exciting, dynamic nature of women’s basketball. The combination of her physical prowess and skill development underlines the importance of showcasing women's sports and the potential for further growth and promotion in the future.