Gamecocks starting F Chloe Kitts (ACL) to miss season

South Carolina senior forward Chloe Kitts will miss the 2025-26 season with a torn ACL, the school confirmed Monday.

She averaged 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds in 38 starts last season for the NCAA Tournament runner-up. She was named MVP of the 2025 SEC tournament after tallying 50 points and 23 rebounds in three games.

"We hate this first for Chloe, who has worked incredibly hard to become the best version of herself on the court this season," Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley said. "Her teammates are capable of stepping up, and I know that her competitive fire and tenacity will be felt from the sidelines as she pours what she can into them to ensure our team's success."

Kitts helped the Gamecocks capture the national championship in 2023-24 with 9.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in 37 games (31 starts).

"Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and support," Kitts posted on Instagram. "I recently suffered an ACL tear and, unfortunately, will be out for this season. While this isn't how I hoped my senior season would go, I'm trusting God's timing and purpose. I'll continue to lead, support, and push my team from the sidelines. We have big things ahead!"

Expected to once again compete for trophies, South Carolina opens the regular season on Nov. 3 against Grand Canyon in Columbia, S.C.

--Field Level Media