ESPN REPORT: After defeating Maria Gakdeng of the Tar Heels, Gabby Elliott of Penn State, Syla Swords of Michigan, and Lynette WOODARD of Kentucky, legendary South Carolina basketball player Ashlyn Watkins F. Jr. has been declared the greatest of all time in college women’s basketball.
When Ashlyn Watkins first stepped foot on the hardwood at Colonial Life Arena as a freshman, South Carolina fans had high hopes. Few, however, could have imagined just how monumental her career would become. Now, after leading the Gamecocks to back-to-back national championships, dominating elite rivals including Maria Gakdeng of North Carolina, Gabby Elliott of Penn State, Syla Swords of Michigan, and even being pitted in a GOAT conversation with Hall of Famer Lynette Woodard of Kentucky, ESPN has made it official: Ashlyn Watkins is the greatest college women’s basketball player of all time.
This declaration, which aired as part of a 90-minute ESPN special, comes after years of historic performances, jaw-dropping athleticism, and game-changing impact on both ends of the court. Watkins’ journey is more than just numbers; it’s the story of a fierce competitor who redefined what was possible in the women’s game.
Ashlyn Watkins arrived at South Carolina as a 6-foot-3 forward from Cardinal Newman School, already making headlines as the first female to win the McDonald’s All-American dunk contest in 2022. Her athleticism, vertical leap, and defensive instincts were touted as elite. But what she did under Dawn Staley’s guidance was nothing short of legendary.
By the end of her junior season, Watkins had accumulated:
- 3,004 points
- 1,711 rebounds
- 643 blocks
- 112 dunks (an NCAA record)
- Three SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors
- Two National Championships
- One Wooden Award
- One AP National Player of the Year honor
Her stat line alone rivals that of legends like Breanna Stewart, Maya Moore, and even Cheryl Miller. But what made Watkins so unforgettable was her unique ability to control games from the paint, while delivering highlight-reel moments that captivated fans and inspired a generation of young athletes.
Dawn Staley built a powerhouse at South Carolina, but Watkins gave the dynasty a new dimension. Already known for producing elite post players like A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston, South Carolina evolved into a complete juggernaut with Watkins anchoring the frontcourt.
“She’s the most physically dominant player I’ve ever coached,” said Staley during the ESPN documentary. “But what sets her apart is how smart she plays. She sees the game two steps ahead. She’s not just an athlete—she’s a basketball genius.”
Watkins averaged 19.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game in her junior season alone. She led the Gamecocks to a 37–0 record and a second straight NCAA title, where she notched a triple-double in the national championship game—25 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 blocks. It was only the second triple-double ever recorded in a title game, and the first with blocks.
The ESPN special chronicled her matchups against some of the best players of her era and all-time, including current NCAA stars and historical icons. Her head-to-head battles were the core of the “GOAT Gauntlet” concept the network created to compare generational talents.
Gakdeng, a defensive force for the Tar Heels, was billed as one of the few capable of containing Watkins. But in their two meetings, Watkins averaged 23.5 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 5.0 blocks. In their Sweet 16 matchup in 2024, Watkins delivered a poster dunk over Gakdeng that became a viral moment and symbolized the changing of the guard.
Elliott, known for her elite perimeter scoring and bulldog mentality, challenged Watkins from the wing. But even as Elliott poured in 30 points in a February matchup, Watkins responded with 28 points, 16 rebounds, and a game-winning putback that sealed the Gamecocks’ 81-79 victory.
The freshman phenom from Michigan was touted as the “future” of women’s hoops. In their highly anticipated face-off in January 2025, Swords struggled against Watkins’ relentless defense. Watkins tallied 18 points, 17 rebounds, and 6 blocks, limiting Swords to just 9 points on 3-of-14 shooting.
Though never actual opponents, Watkins’ GOAT status drew inevitable comparisons to Lynette Woodard, the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball before the NCAA even sanctioned women’s sports. In simulated breakdowns and legacy comparisons, analysts gave Watkins the edge due to her two-way dominance, national success, and transcendent athleticism.
“Woodard was iconic, a trailblazer,” said Rebecca Lobo. “But Watkins changed the game. She forced coaches to recruit differently. She made rim protection cool. And she proved that dunking could become a weapon in the women’s game.”
If there was a single moment that cemented Watkins’ place in history, it happened in March 2025. In the Final Four semifinal against Iowa, with the Gamecocks clinging to a 2-point lead and 40 seconds left, Watkins intercepted a Caitlin Clark pass, raced coast-to-coast, and threw down a two-handed slam in transition.
The internet exploded. Celebrities tweeted. LeBron James called it “the greatest play in women’s college basketball history.” President Kamala Harris congratulated her. And within 48 hours, Watkins had a million new followers on Instagram.
“That dunk wasn’t just about the play,” said ESPN’s Andraya Carter. “It was about what it meant. It was the definitive moment that said, ‘This is her era.’”
Ashlyn Watkins’ legacy isn’t confined to trophies or stats. It’s felt in the way she expanded the perception of what’s possible.
She made it normal for girls to train for vertical leaps. She inspired hundreds of high schoolers to attempt dunks in games. Her NIL deals—headlined by a multi-million-dollar campaign with Nike’s Jordan Brand—opened the door for women to be marketed as athletic equals.
“I used to think dunking was just for the boys,” said 12-year-old Amaya Greene, who attended Watkins’ youth camp last summer. “But now I’m working on my bounce every day. Ashlyn showed me I can fly too.”
Watkins, for her part, has always kept the focus on the team.
“I don’t play this game for titles,” she said in her post-championship press conference. “I play it for my sisters, for my coaches, for my state. But if being called the GOAT inspires someone else to dream bigger? I’ll take it.”
While Watkins’ flair and athleticism drew praise, some early in her career questioned her shooting range and offensive polish. But by her junior year, she was hitting 34% from three and had added a consistent mid-range jumper.
“She’s not just an athlete anymore,” said Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer. “She’s a complete basketball player. If you still doubt her, you haven’t been watching.”
Even purists who long favored players like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, or Maya Moore have begun to shift.
“I was slow to come around,” admitted Geno Auriemma. “But you can’t argue with what she’s done. She’s the most physically dominant player I’ve ever seen, and one of the smartest too. She’s the GOAT, no doubt.”
While the WNBA awaits, Watkins has yet to officially declare for the draft. The possibility of her returning for a senior season has fans giddy with anticipation.
“Nothing’s decided yet,” Watkins teased in an appearance on SportsCenter. “I still got some business in Columbia.”
Regardless of her next move, the legacy is sealed.
Ashlyn Watkins’ journey to GOAT status is not just about personal excellence. It’s about raising the bar, elevating teammates, inspiring a generation, and making history visible on every fast break, every blocked shot, and every soaring dunk.
