Topic overview
In brief
- Maddy McDaniel, a junior guard for the South Carolina women's basketball team, has withdrawn from the university.
- She previously announced her decision to step away from the team to focus on her mental health.
- Coach Dawn Staley expressed support for McDaniel's decision and acknowledged her contributions to the program.
Summary
In the United States, Maddy McDaniel, a junior guard for the South Carolina women’s basketball team, has officially withdrawn from the university. This announcement was made by head coach Dawn Staley on August 7, 2026. McDaniel had previously announced her decision to step away from the team earlier in the summer to focus on her mental health. Staley expressed respect for McDaniel's decision and acknowledged her contributions to the program, emphasizing that she will always be part of the Gamecock family. McDaniel's departure marks the end of her two-season tenure with the Gamecocks, during which she achieved significant success.
McDaniel joined the South Carolina basketball program after an impressive high school career, where she was recognized as the MaxPreps Maryland Player of the Year and earned a spot as a McDonald’s All-American in 2024. She was also ranked as the No. 12 recruit in the Class of 2024 by espnW. During her time with the Gamecocks, McDaniel played a crucial role in the team’s success, contributing to back-to-back SEC regular-season titles and winning the SEC Tournament title in her freshman year. Additionally, she participated in two national championship games during the NCAA Tournaments in 2025 and 2026.