**South Carolina, Columbia –** A top-ranked recruit has committed to Dawn Staley’s dominant women’s basketball team, a remarkable development that highlights the program’s increasing popularity.

The Gamecocks landed the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, 6-foot-3 wing phenom Alayna Matthews, a versatile two-way player out of Dallas, Texas. Widely considered a generational talent, Matthews announced her commitment to South Carolina over finalists UConn, LSU, and Stanford. Her decision further cements the Gamecocks’ reputation as the preeminent destination for high school stars looking to compete at the highest level of the women’s game.

“I chose South Carolina because it felt like family from the first moment I visited,” Matthews said in her announcement. “Coach Staley believes in developing the full person, not just the player. That stood out to me more than anything.”

The commitment comes at a time when South Carolina is already riding high, fresh off another Final Four appearance and boasting a roster filled with WNBA-bound talent. Matthews’ pledge to the Gamecocks makes them even more dangerous for seasons to come.

There is no understating the impact Dawn Staley has had on women’s college basketball. Since taking the reins of the Gamecocks in 2008, she has transformed the program from an SEC afterthought into a national powerhouse. Her résumé includes multiple national championships, numerous SEC titles, and a litany of first-round WNBA draft picks.

Staley has become not only a coaching icon but also a symbol of empowerment and excellence in women’s sports. Her player-first philosophy, authenticity, and leadership have made Columbia, South Carolina, a hotbed for top-tier talent.

Alayna Matthews is the latest elite recruit to be drawn in by that gravitational pull. “Coach Staley is someone I look up to,” Matthews said. “She’s done everything I want to do—played in the Olympics, coached at the highest level, won championships. If there’s anyone I want to learn from, it’s her.”

Alayna Matthews is more than just a five-star recruit—she’s a program-changing player. At 6-foot-3, she brings the length and athleticism to guard four positions while providing elite scoring from all three levels. Her handle is smooth, her shot mechanics are refined, and her basketball IQ is already off the charts.

Recruiting services describe her as a “Swiss Army knife” who can dominate games without needing to dominate the ball. Her unselfish nature, coupled with her competitive fire, makes her a perfect cultural fit for the Gamecocks.

“She’s a winner,” said one national scout. “Every time she steps on the floor, she changes the energy. She defends, rebounds, scores, facilitates—whatever her team needs, she provides. And she plays with a chip on her shoulder.”

Her high school stats back up the hype. In her junior season, Matthews averaged 22.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, leading Bishop Dunne High School to a state championship. She’s also been a standout in USA Basketball circles, most recently starring in the U17 World Cup where she helped Team USA secure gold.

With Matthews’ commitment, South Carolina’s 2026 class is now ranked No. 1 in the nation. She joins fellow top-10 recruit Jada Freeman, a lightning-quick point guard out of Atlanta, and 6-foot-5 center Camilla James, a dominant shot-blocker from Chicago.

It’s the kind of class that builds dynasties—and the Gamecocks may already be in the midst of one.

“There’s a level of excellence and expectation now,” said recruiting analyst Christy Thompkins. “South Carolina doesn’t just sign great players—they develop them into pros. That’s what makes this commitment such a huge deal. Matthews could have gone anywhere, but she chose to be a part of something that’s already elite.”

The news of Matthews’ commitment spread quickly through the college basketball world. UConn fans were notably dismayed, having held hope she’d follow in the footsteps of other Lone Star greats who chose the Huskies. LSU’s ever-growing fan base, fresh off the Kim Mulkey-led resurgence, also voiced disappointment.

But South Carolina fans rejoiced.

“She’s going to wear Garnet and Black!” one fan posted on social media. “Alayna is the future—and the future is Gamecock Nation.”

Even players past and present chimed in. Aliyah Boston, now with the Indiana Fever, congratulated Matthews in a tweet: “Welcome to the family! You’re going to love it here

Off the court, Matthews has become a role model in her community. She volunteers regularly at youth basketball clinics, promotes mental health awareness among teens, and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Her maturity and poise have drawn comparisons to former Gamecock greats like Zia Cooke and A’ja Wilson.

“She carries herself like a professional already,” said her high school coach, Derrick Sloan. “She’s grounded. She leads by example, and she genuinely cares about the people around her. Dawn Staley’s going to love coaching her.”

Her strong sense of self and values played a huge role in her decision. “I wanted to be somewhere that would push me to grow as a person, not just a player,” Matthews said. “That’s what I saw in Coach Staley and her staff.”

Women’s basketball is experiencing a boom in popularity, with names like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and JuJu Watkins drawing record viewership and endorsement deals. Matthews’ commitment to South Carolina is yet another sign that the sport’s momentum is only increasing.

And it’s not just about talent—it’s about brand alignment. For Matthews, joining the Gamecocks isn’t just about winning games. It’s about being part of a movement.

“South Carolina is a brand now,” said ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo. “Dawn Staley has built a platform that goes beyond basketball. Recruits see that, and they want to be part of something bigger. That’s why this commitment matters.”

As women’s sports grow, the Gamecocks continue to set the standard. Their culture of excellence, accountability, and empowerment makes them a model program, and Matthews’ decision only reinforces that.

With Alayna Matthews in the fold, South Carolina’s future is even brighter. The Gamecocks are likely to be preseason top-three again next season, and with the development of younger players and this incoming class, their championship window remains wide open.

Coach Staley, as usual, downplayed the fanfare surrounding the commitment but couldn’t hide her excitement.

“We’re building something special here,” she said. “It’s about the right people, not just the best players. Alayna is one of those rare individuals who brings both. We’re thrilled she’s decided to join our family.”

Staley’s focus will now shift to maintaining team chemistry and preparing for another run at the national title. With Matthews inbound and momentum on their side, don’t bet against them.

Alayna Matthews’ commitment to South Carolina represents more than just a win on the recruiting trail. It’s a testament to what Dawn Staley has built: a program defined by leadership, excellence, and integrity. It also signals that the Gamecocks are not resting on their laurels—they’re planning to dominate for years to come.