Dawn Staley Feels Thankful as She Has a 4-Word Message on South Carolina’s Latest Addition of Madina Okot!

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When the final buzzer sounded on the national championship game, Dawn Staley walked off the court with a heavy heart. It wasn’t just the sting of losing that lingered—it was the realization that her team was about to look very different. The departures came swiftly. MiLaysia Fulwiley, the guard with sky-high potential, entered the transfer portal. Bree Hall was headed to the WNBA to join the Indiana Fever. Sania Feagin followed suit. It was a lot to take in. You wouldn’t guess the turnaround a frustrated Dwan Staley has had since.

And yet, if there’s one thing Dawn Staley has proven time and time again, it’s that she knows how to move forward. Back in March, Staley hinted during her appearance on the “Carolina Calls” radio show that South Carolina might dip into the transfer portal to find a true center—something the Gamecocks lacked last season. A month later, she delivered.

“A birdie just flew in the nest!!!” she posted on social media, the excitement barely containable. That birdie? Madina Okot.

A 6-foot-6 powerhouse from Mumias, Kenya, Okot officially signed with South Carolina Tuesday. And as soon as the Gamecocks dropped the poster with Okot wearing the No. 24 jersey and flashing a joyful grin through her two-braided ponytail, Staley had just four words for fans: “Look at that smile!!!!”

The message said it all. For a coach who had seen pieces of her team scatter across the country and into the pros, this was a moment of hope—a turning point. “@MadinaOkot84132 thank you for choosing USC!” Staley followed up. “We welcome you to Gamecock country! Let’s gooooo! Where them FAMs at?!! 🥰🥰🥰”

Okot isn’t just any addition. She’s a rebounding machine with SEC experience, having averaged nearly a double-double (11.3 points, 9.6 rebounds) for Mississippi State last season. Her 64.9 percent shooting was the best in the SEC and ranked fourth in the nation. But it’s not just the stats. It’s the story. Before college hoops, Madina Okot made her name across the globe. The 6-foot-6 dominated in the FIBA Africa Women’s Basketball League, wore the Kenyan jersey at the Commonwealth Games, and became a FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup champion.

None of this came easy, though. Okot who started as a volleyball player, made the switch only a few years ago. She worked, trained, traveled, and hustled her way into the spotlight. “Madina Okot is the definition of a diamond in the rough,” her former coach said. “We threw a lot at her in a short amount of time, and she handled it all with toughness. Her work ethic is second to none, and she brought energy into the building every day.”

Her impact on Mississippi State was felt right away, and even as a one-year player, she left an impression. That kind of presence is hard to replace—but South Carolina doesn’t have to. They now have it.

“Madina gives our frontcourt additional size and speed,” Staley said. “She has the ability to score, rebound and defend, and her competitiveness and SEC experience are added bonuses. We’re excited to bring her to our Gamecock family, and I know the FAMS are going to love watching her play.” South Carolina needed a post presence. Okot was the perfect fit.

For a team that just weathered one of the more emotional offseasons in recent memory, her arrival feels like a jolt of new energy. But she isn’t doing it alone. Florida transfer, Ta’Niya Latson is carrying some of that hope and excitement, too.

How Ta’Niya Latson Sparked Dawn Staley’s Rebuild Before Madina Okot Sealed It

Before Madina Okot ever flashed her smile in that No. 24 jersey, Dawn Staley had already made her first big move. And it was a loud one. After a visit, Ta’Niya Latson, announced she was headed to South Carolina. For Staley, still reeling from a heartbreaking title game loss and key players leaving for the WNBA or the portal, this was the start of something new.

“Ta’Niya has established herself in the college women’s game, and her accomplishments speak for themselves,” Staley said. She wasn’t exaggerating. A three-time All-ACC First Team selection and All-American honorable mention, Latson lit it up for Florida State over three seasons. She averaged 22.5 points per game on 44.8% shooting. She is the backcourt presence Staley never had.

“The beauty of her game is not just her ability to score,” Staley added. “She has another superpower in her ability to set her teammates up to score… Ta’Niya is an incredible leader and more importantly a fierce competitor.”

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With Latson in, the rebuild had begun. South Carolina had fire on the perimeter. They needed size in the paint that got covered by Okot. And just like that, Dawn Staley’s new-look squad was beginning to take shape—with balance, power, and serious upside.