Dawn Staley Drops Brutal Truth About South Carolina Injuries

South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley's made it clear how her team deals with injuries.

Nov 23, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the Queens Royals in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images | Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

The injury bug has plagued No. 3 South Carolina for much of this season. They've faced injuries to Agot Makeer, Ta'Niya Latson, Maddy McDaniel, Madina Okot, Adhel Tac and Tessa Johnson throughout the course of the year. In fact, only two players on their entire roster - Raven Johnson and Joyce Edwards - have competed in all 26 of their games.

It's impressive that despite all of these injuries, South Carolina still find themselves sitting alone at the top of the SEC. Head coach Dawn Staley made it clear that her team doesn't sulk when it comes to injury setbacks. Instead, they worry about who is available and prepare accordingly.

However, it was hard for anyone to be prepared for the blunt way Staley encapsulated that sentiment following her team's historic win over No.17 Tennessee on Sunday night

"We don't speak about the injured. We don't...we actually, quite frankly, we consider them dead. We do. It's not part of the game plan," Staley said.

"We consider them dead" 💀🤣

Dawn Staley says the team doesn't worry about injured players when preparing for games@GamecockWBB @wachfox pic.twitter.com/LZFQitK6nj

— Jared Parker (@jaredparkertv) February 9, 2026

She attributed the team's 24-2 record in part to their strong "next woman up" mentality. Staley credited her team for buying in and taking care of business with who is available.

A Short Break Allows Time for South Carolina to Get Healthy

Feb 8, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley disputes a call against the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images | Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Prior to heading to Baton Rouge for their biggest game of the regular season against No. 5 LSU, the Gamecocks will have a little time to rest.

They will not have a typical midweek SEC game, perhaps allowing for some of the injured players to possibly get back before Saturday's showdown against the Tigers.

Maddy McDaniel, who missed the Tennessee game due to a left ankle injury, is the team's most recent injury. The Gamecocks need her back with the hard hits they've taken at the guard position.

"It's good we have somewhat of a bye week. Maddy wants to play I know that, when you have the mindset that you want to play it helps the body heal quicker," Staley said.

Of course, given South Carolina's record, it's clear injuries haven't derailed them too much. Still, Staley surely wants a full squad available for the stretch run. But the team's depth makes them a formidable foe on the schedule for any opponent, regardless of who is available.

And Staley made it apparent that she will not allow her South Carolina team to lose focus in dwelling about the absence of any player who might be out with injury.