Athletics at the University of South Carolina Milaysia Fulwiley, who established a world record with the Gamecocks, is a finalist for the Dawn Staley.

In the illustrious world of South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball, legends are forged on the hardwood. But every so often, a player emerges who doesn’t just play the game—she changes it. Milaysia Fulwiley, a native of Columbia, South Carolina, is that player. In her freshman season, Fulwiley not only left an indelible mark on a program steeped in success but also etched her name in history by setting a world record, while simultaneously becoming a finalist for the prestigious Dawn Staley Award.

For South Carolina fans and basketball enthusiasts nationwide, Fulwiley’s brilliance wasn’t a surprise—it was a matter of time. Her combination of speed, court vision, explosive scoring ability, and defensive tenacity has elevated her from a highly-touted recruit to a generational talent. Her freshman campaign was one for the ages, capped by performances that made even seasoned coaches and analysts pause in awe.

The Spark That Lit the Flame

Fulwiley arrived in Columbia with a glittering high school resume. A McDonald’s All-American and state champion at W.J. Keenan High School, she was South Carolina’s Gatorade Player of the Year and a five-star recruit who committed to the Gamecocks early. But few anticipated how quickly she would adjust to the college game—or how profoundly she would impact it.

From her very first game, Fulwiley dazzled. Her handle was electric. Her shot selection—audacious yet effective. And her ability to weave through defenders like a seasoned pro made her an instant fan favorite. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, who has overseen the development of multiple All-Americans and WNBA stars, knew immediately that Fulwiley was different.

“She plays with a freedom and a flair that you just can’t teach,” Staley said. “Milaysia sees things on the court before they happen, and she has the skill set to make those visions real.”

Setting the World Record

In an early-season game against a top-25 opponent, Fulwiley accomplished something unprecedented: she recorded the fastest triple-double ever logged in a Division I women’s basketball game, doing so in just 22 minutes of action. The stat line was jaw-dropping—21 points, 11 assists, 10 steals. But it wasn’t just the numbers—it was the sheer velocity and intensity with which she operated. Her defensive anticipation and ability to create transition opportunities stunned analysts, and the performance went viral within hours.

No other freshman—male or female—had ever reached a triple-double that quickly while also impacting every phase of the game. The NCAA officially recognized the milestone, and Fulwiley was lauded not just by college basketball media, but by NBA and WNBA stars alike.

The performance earned her national Player of the Week honors and catapulted her into the national spotlight. But Fulwiley remained grounded.

“I’m just trying to help my team win,” she said after the game. “That’s the only goal. I’m blessed to be here and play for Coach Staley and this program.”

The Dawn Staley Award Finalist

The significance of being a finalist for the Dawn Staley Award isn’t lost on Fulwiley—or on fans of the sport. Named after her own head coach, the award honors the nation’s top guard who exemplifies exceptional ball handling, scoring, leadership, and the ability to carry her team.

Past winners include some of the sport’s most recognizable names: Arike Ogunbowale, Sabrina Ionescu, and Caitlin Clark. Fulwiley, still just a freshman, being listed alongside those greats speaks volumes about her impact.

“She’s the prototype for what this award stands for,” said a member of the award selection committee. “There’s flair, yes—but it’s the control, the poise, and the impact in big moments that sets her apart.”

What makes Fulwiley’s candidacy even more meaningful is the connection with Coach Staley, one of the greatest guards in basketball history and a mentor to the young star. In many ways, Fulwiley is a reflection of Staley’s values—gritty, intelligent, and emotionally mature beyond her years.

“To even be mentioned in the same breath as Coach Staley is unreal,” Fulwiley said. “She’s someone I’ve looked up to my whole life. Being coached by her and now being nominated for her award—there are no words.”

Leadership Beyond Her Years

While her statistics are undeniably impressive—averaging 15.2 points, 6.1 assists, 2.7 steals per game—it’s Fulwiley’s intangible qualities that set her apart. Whether it’s orchestrating a comeback with surgical precision, locking down the opposing team’s best scorer, or serving as a calming presence in high-pressure moments, she has the leadership and emotional intelligence of a senior.

Coach Staley has often remarked on her unselfishness and basketball IQ, citing a key sequence in the SEC tournament semifinal where Fulwiley turned down a late-game shot to find a teammate for a better look. That trust in her teammates, Staley says, is “what makes her elite.”

She is also fiercely competitive—an attribute teammates have quickly come to admire.

“She wants to win everything, from drills to scrimmages,” said senior forward Kamilla Cardoso. “But she lifts everyone up while doing it. She makes you want to play better.”

A Star in the Making—and Already Here

As the Gamecocks advanced deep into the NCAA Tournament, Fulwiley’s legend continued to grow. She led South Carolina in assists and was top-three in points scored across the tournament, even hitting a step-back three at the buzzer in the Sweet 16 to cap off a 30-point night—another freshman record.

With each game, the hype grew louder. ESPN dedicated a feature segment to her meteoric rise. Social media lit up with comparisons to WNBA legends. And yet, in every press conference and interview, Fulwiley deflected praise, highlighting the importance of team chemistry and the Gamecocks’ defensive identity.

“Coach tells us all the time—defense travels. That’s where we hang our hats,” she said. “Scoring is fun, but stops win games.”

Changing the Game—and the Culture

Fulwiley is not only redefining the guard position but also what’s possible for young athletes balancing creativity and structure. Her flashy passes and no-look assists might draw the highlight reels, but they’re all underpinned by fundamentals drilled relentlessly by Staley and her staff.

And for the city of Columbia, her impact is more than athletic. She’s a hometown hero—living proof that local talent can reach global heights. Fulwiley has remained active in community events and youth clinics, often telling young girls, “If I can do it from here, so can you.”

She’s also embraced the burgeoning world of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, partnering with national brands while remaining committed to giving back. Several of her endorsement earnings have gone toward building youth basketball programs in underserved neighborhoods of South Carolina.

Looking Ahead

As she heads into her sophomore season, expectations will only grow. But if Fulwiley’s freshman campaign is any indication, she’s more than ready for the challenge. She’s already been named to early watchlists for the Wooden Award, Naismith Trophy, and SEC Player of the Year.

More importantly, she’s focused on winning championships. South Carolina fell just short in the national title game, and Fulwiley has already stated her motivation: “We’re coming back. We’re not done.”

And with her at the helm, the Gamecocks may be just getting started.

Milaysia Fulwiley isn’t just a future star—she’s a present-day phenomenon who’s redefining what’s possible in women’s college basketball. From breaking world records to embodying the legacy of Dawn Staley, Fulwiley is a once-in-a-generation player whose story is still in its earliest chapters.

And if those opening pages are any indication, the rest of the basketball world better get ready. Because Milaysia Fulwiley is here to stay—and she’s rewriting history every step of the way.