South Carolina forward, Ashlyn Watkins has been reinstated to the team after charges of first-degree assault and battery and kidnapping were dismissed. This clears the way for her return to action just as the 2024-25 season starts up. Watkins, a key player for the Gamecocks during their undefeated national championship run last season, had been suspended while the legal process played out.
Watkins, a 6′3″ junior forward for South Carolina, was arrested on August 31 following an alleged altercation, where she was accused of assaulting an individual by forcefully grabbing her face, pulling her by her arms, and pushing her. The incident prompted the University of South Carolina to suspend Watkins from all team activities. She missed significant events including the Gamecocks’ White House championship celebration and their season opener against Michigan in Las Vegas. For the opener against Michigan on November 5, South Carolina’s official game notes indicated that Watkins was currently suspended from team activities, underscoring her absence from the program. At the time, her future with the team appeared uncertain as the legal process unfolded.
The legal situation has now been resolved in Watkins’ favor. The charges against her were officially dismissed, leading to her reinstatement to the team. Watkin’s kidnapping charge was dropped at the discretion of the prosecutor, April Sampson. A South Carolina spokesperson confirmed that Watkins returned to practice on Wednesday, rejoining her teammates just in time for the Gamecocks’ second game of the season.
Before the suspension Watkins had been one of South Carolina’s most valuable players. She played an instrumental role in the Gamecocks’ perfect 2023-24 season, which culminated in a national title. Watkins averaged 9.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game in just over 20 minutes of action. Her combination of athleticism, versatility, and defensive prowess made her one of the most impactful players on the roster, and her return provides South Carolina with another strong asset as they intend on defending their title this season.
“I think that Watkins is absolutely a key player not only this year for South Carolina but last year as well. During national championship last year Ashlyn played one of her best games yet. Hopefully she’s able to keep that momentum coming into this year even after all of this. Her role has increased dramatically though this year with the loss of Kamilla Cardoso, but I think she will be able to handle it,” says Audrey Heston (11), a member of the HVHS basketball team.
Now with the legal issues are behind her, Watkins can focus fully on basketball. Her return marks the end of a difficult chapter and the beginning of what should be a promising season. Watkin’s head coach Dawn Staley, has expressed her support throughout the legal process, and now has her full roster available as the Gamecocks look to continue their dominance in women’s college basketball. With Watkins back in the lineup, South Carolina’s path to another national championship is looking stronger than ever.
Dotti Dorlini (11) shares, “I think that she will be able to bounce back. With the support of her teammates, Coach Staley, and the South Carolina fans, I have no doubt she’ll quickly regain her position. She is a key player for South Carolina and with her being back on the court, I believe they’ll be able to secure another championship.”
The Gamecocks, ranked number one in the country starting the season, will rely heavily on Watkins’ leadership and skill as they aim to repeat as champions. For Watkins, the focus will now be on getting back to her game and helping her team achieve their ultimate goal.
