Columbia, South Carolina The highly regarded South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball star, MiLaysia Fulwiley, has made a dramatic reversal by removing her name from the transfer portal and reaffirming her dedication to the team.

In a move that stunned the women’s college basketball world, MiLaysia Fulwiley, the electrifying South Carolina guard and fan favorite, has withdrawn her name from the NCAA transfer portal and reaffirmed her commitment to the Gamecocks, just days after signaling what many believed was an inevitable departure.

The announcement came early Monday morning through a heartfelt social media post in which Fulwiley simply wrote, “Home is where the heart is. Let’s run it back. #GamecocksForever.” Within minutes, fans, teammates, alumni, and college basketball insiders flooded social media with a mix of joy, relief, and speculation about what caused the sudden reversal.

It’s a stunning turn of events, and one that carries seismic implications for Dawn Staley’s program—and the entire national championship race in 2025.

On April 28, Fulwiley’s name appeared in the transfer portal—a move that blindsided nearly everyone connected to the South Carolina program. A Columbia native and the highest-ranked in-state prospect in recent memory, Fulwiley had become a hometown hero as a freshman, dazzling crowds with her ball-handling, deep-range shooting, and high-flying athleticism.

The portal decision raised instant red flags. Was there internal strife? Was NIL playing a role? Would a blue-blood like LSU or UConn swoop in with a massive offer?

At the time, sources close to the situation described Fulwiley as “weighing her options” in light of “significant interest from multiple top-tier programs.” There were whispers that both financial considerations and playing time preferences may have influenced her decision to explore options.

But just as quickly as the storm began, Fulwiley closed the door.

Though Fulwiley hasn’t spoken publicly beyond her brief announcement, several sources familiar with the situation indicate that her decision to recommit was the product of personal reflection, team meetings, and a direct conversation with head coach Dawn Staley.

“Coach Staley didn’t just pitch her on minutes or points,” said one team source. “She reminded MiLaysia of her legacy here. That this was her city, her school, her moment.”

South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner also played a role in rallying resources to affirm Fulwiley’s value to the program. According to multiple NIL insiders, local business leaders and alumni donors moved quickly to reengage with Fulwiley and her family. While specifics aren’t public, sources believe the Gamecocks’ NIL collective significantly restructured her package to reflect her status as a rising national star.

But money alone wasn’t the deciding factor. “She was reminded of why she came to South Carolina in the first place,” said another source close to the program. “This is home.”

Coach Staley, a legend in her own right and an icon for young Black women in sports, remained composed even during Fulwiley’s brief portal stint. Though she didn’t publicly campaign or plead for her return, those inside the locker room say Staley made one thing clear: her door was always open.

“She told MiLaysia, ‘You’re part of this family, and families work through stuff,’” a teammate said. “That meant everything.”

Staley, known for her player-first approach and relentless loyalty to her athletes, reportedly met with Fulwiley multiple times privately to ensure she felt heard, valued, and empowered.

“We’re not just building a team here,” Staley said in a radio interview last week, before Fulwiley’s return. “We’re building young women. And sometimes, growth includes tough decisions.”

Now, with Fulwiley back in the fold, Staley’s Gamecocks are again poised to remain among the national elite.

As a true freshman in 2024–25, Fulwiley carved out a critical role on a loaded South Carolina squad that reached the Final Four for the third straight season. Though she wasn’t always in the starting lineup, she made headlines on a national level with viral highlight-reel plays, jaw-dropping crossovers, and game-changing sequences.

She averaged 10.1 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game—impressive numbers considering the depth around her. More than the stats, however, it was Fulwiley’s flair and fearlessness that made her must-watch TV. Analysts compared her handles to Kyrie Irving’s and her court vision to Skylar Diggins-Smith’s.

Perhaps the most memorable moment came in a road victory against LSU when Fulwiley scored 17 of her 21 points in the second half, breaking down the Tigers’ vaunted defense and silencing the crowd in Baton Rouge.

“She’s generational,” ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo said at the time. “Not just for South Carolina—but for the game.”

With Fulwiley’s return, South Carolina’s national championship odds have skyrocketed. Alongside standout center Ashlyn Watkins, sharpshooter Raven Johnson, and the versatile Chloe Kitts, the Gamecocks now return one of the most complete and dynamic rosters in the country.

They also welcome a top-three recruiting class, bolstered by McDonald’s All-Americans and international talent. Fulwiley’s presence provides not just production, but an identity—she’s the spark plug, the emotional engine, and now, a committed leader.

“This team just became terrifying again,” said one SEC assistant coach. “We were already trying to game-plan without her. Now we’ve got to deal with her and the rest of that lineup? Good luck.”

South Carolina fans share that sentiment. Within hours of Fulwiley’s announcement, ticket inquiries surged, and official team merchandise bearing her name jumped in sales, according to the school’s online store.

Fulwiley’s brief journey into the portal and back highlights a growing tension in college athletics: the intersection of emotion, loyalty, business, and opportunity.

“I don’t blame her for testing the waters,” said former WNBA MVP Lisa Leslie on a recent podcast. “This generation of athletes is being pulled in every direction. Money, exposure, brand deals—it’s a lot. But it says something when a player like MiLaysia chooses legacy over all that.”

Indeed, the Gamecocks now become a rare case study: a top-tier program that kept its star not just with NIL cash, but with culture.

For Dawn Staley, it’s yet another feather in her cap. In an era where rosters are fluid and loyalty is rare, she’s managed to build a program that not only attracts elite talent—but earns their return.

In Columbia, the news sparked celebration. At Fulwiley’s old high school, Keenan, students poured into the gym with South Carolina shirts, chanting her name. At Garnet and Black Traditions, a local merchandise shop, the store played clips of Fulwiley’s greatest highlights on repeat.

“She’s our Allen Iverson,” one customer said. “Electric, fearless, unpredictable—but now with something more. She’s committed. She’s ours.”

Social media platforms exploded with posts celebrating her recommitment. Former Gamecock greats like A’ja Wilson and Ty Harris chimed in with encouragement, while opposing fan bases lamented a national contender solidifying its core.

“I wanted her in purple and gold,” one LSU fan wrote. “But I respect the loyalty.”

Though the 2024–25 campaign ended with a narrow semifinal loss to Iowa and Caitlin Clark’s farewell tour, Fulwiley now has a fresh mission: lead South Carolina back to the mountaintop.

“I think she understands the stage now,” one assistant coach said. “She was a freshman playing on instinct last year. This year, she’s got purpose.”

And with that purpose comes pressure. Expectations will be high. Fulwiley won’t be flying under the radar anymore. Every team will be ready for her. But if anyone thrives under the spotlight, it’s the hometown hero with a crossover built for SportsCenter.

As for Fulwiley, she seems unfazed. Her latest Instagram story? A slow-motion video of her walking into Colonial Life Arena to cheers, overlaid with the caption: “Year 2. Unfinished Business.”

In a time when college sports often feel like a revolving door of transactions, MiLaysia Fulwiley’s recommitment stands as a rare story of rediscovered loyalty. Yes, she tested the waters. Yes, she could’ve chased a bag. But in the end, the pull of home, legacy, and purpose brought her back.