Florida State Transfer Ta’Niya Latson Eyes National Championship Glory in Her Debut Season with Dawn Staley and South Carolina

Ta’Niya Latson didn’t transfer to South Carolina just to blend in. She didn’t come to Columbia simply to be another name on a stacked roster. The former Florida State star arrived with one mission in mind — to chase the ultimate prize: a national championship.

Latson, one of the most electric scorers in women’s college basketball, made waves this offseason when she announced her decision to join Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks. For many around the sport, it was viewed as a seismic move — one of the nation’s most gifted guards linking up with the most dominant program in women’s basketball.

But for Latson herself, the decision wasn’t rooted in hype, headlines, or even individual accolades. It was about fulfilling a goal she has carried since childhood: hoisting the national championship trophy on the biggest stage.

“I’ve always dreamed of being a national champion,” Latson said during her introductory press conference with South Carolina. “That’s what motivates me every single day — putting in the work, pushing myself, and being part of a team that has that same drive. South Carolina has built that standard. I knew this was where I wanted to be to chase that goal.”

Latson’s arrival comes at a fascinating time for the Gamecocks. Fresh off yet another Final Four appearance and a national runner-up finish, Dawn Staley’s squad remains the gold standard in college basketball. But with the departure of key veterans and the always-competitive nature of the SEC, South Carolina faces new challenges.

Enter Latson — the reigning ACC Rookie of the Year, former McDonald’s All-American, and one of the most prolific young scorers in the country. During her two seasons at Florida State, the 5-foot-8 guard established herself as a walking bucket. As a freshman, she led the ACC in scoring at 21.3 points per game, becoming the first freshman in league history to claim the scoring title.

Her offensive game is dynamic — a blend of lightning-quick handles, deep-range shooting, and fearless drives to the rim. But it’s not just her stats that make Latson’s addition to South Carolina significant. It’s her mindset.

For all her personal achievements, Latson’s time at Florida State lacked the postseason success she craved. The Seminoles showed flashes but couldn’t break through as true national contenders. That reality fueled her transfer decision — a bold move to a program where expectations are championship or bust.

“I respect everything Florida State gave me — the coaches, my teammates, the fans,” Latson reflected. “But at this point in my career, I needed to push myself further. I wanted to be part of something where every day, the culture is built on excellence. South Carolina is that place.”

Indeed, South Carolina has become synonymous with dominance under Dawn Staley. In recent years, the Gamecocks have won multiple SEC titles, produced WNBA stars, and cut down the nets as national champions. But Staley, never one to dwell on past success, views Latson’s addition as both a luxury and a responsibility — for the player and the program.

“Ta’Niya brings a different gear to our team,” Staley said. “She’s explosive, fearless, and has that killer mentality you need to win at the highest level. But she also knows — here, it’s not about one person. It’s about embracing the grind, fitting into the system, and doing what it takes to help the team.”

For Latson, that adjustment is part of the challenge — and the appeal. At Florida State, much of the offense ran through her. With South Carolina, she’ll be one of several stars on a loaded roster, sharing the floor with elite talent across every position. That dynamic, she believes, will only elevate her game.

“Playing with so many great players, it pushes you to be better,” Latson explained. “It forces you to grow, to learn, to find new ways to impact the game beyond scoring. That’s what I’m excited about — being part of something bigger, being challenged, and getting better every single day.”

Latson has already set clear expectations for herself: continue to be a relentless scorer, embrace her role as a leader, and, most importantly, help South Carolina climb the mountain once again. For a program with championship aspirations every season, adding a player of Latson’s caliber is another step toward sustained greatness.

Still, nothing is guaranteed — even for a team as decorated as the Gamecocks. The landscape of women’s college basketball continues to evolve, with powerhouse programs like UConn, LSU, Iowa, and Stanford constantly reloading. The transfer portal has created unprecedented roster movement, and the SEC remains a gauntlet of elite competition.

But that’s exactly the environment Latson wanted. Pressure. Expectations. High stakes. It’s what she thrives on — and what she believes will bring out her best.

“I didn’t come here to be comfortable,” Latson said with a smile. “I came here because I want to be in those big moments. I want to be part of those championship battles. That’s what this is all about.”

The early buzz out of South Carolina’s summer workouts has only heightened the excitement surrounding Latson’s arrival. Teammates have raved about her work ethic, her competitive edge, and the immediate chemistry she’s building within the squad. For a player joining an established system, that seamless transition is critical — and Latson seems to be embracing it fully.

Of course, individual success remains within reach for Latson. Her scoring prowess and playmaking ability make her a likely All-SEC and All-American candidate. But personal honors, she insists, are secondary to the collective goal.

“Individual awards are nice, but I measure success by winning championships,” Latson emphasized. “That’s what matters most to me. When you win, everyone shines.”

South Carolina’s schedule offers no shortage of marquee matchups — battles with SEC rivals like LSU and Tennessee, potential tournament showdowns with national contenders, and the ever-present target on their backs as one of the sport’s premier programs. But those challenges, Latson believes, are what will forge the team’s identity.

“We’ll be tested,” she admitted. “But that’s how you grow. You can’t win it all without going through the fire. I believe in this team. I believe in Coach Staley. And I believe that, together, we can accomplish something special.”

For Staley, Latson represents more than just a high-profile transfer — she embodies the type of player the Gamecocks seek to attract: hungry, driven, and focused on the team’s ultimate mission.

“We bring in players who want to compete at the highest level,” Staley said. “Ta’Niya has proven she can do that. Now it’s about putting the pieces together and chasing that championship.”

The journey won’t be easy, and Latson knows the weight of expectations that comes with wearing the South Carolina uniform. But as she begins this new chapter, her mindset remains clear: work hard, elevate her game, and help deliver another championship to Columbia.

In her words, “I’ve always dreamed of cutting down those nets. Now, I’m ready to make it happen.”