Staley Adds Kelsi Andrews to 2026-27 Roster

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina head women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley announced that Kelsi Andrews (Hazel Green, AL/IMG Academy) will join the Gamecocks with four years of eligibility beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. She was named to the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Girls High School Player of the Year Watchlist earlier today.

“Kelsi brings a unique combination of size, skill and versatility that perfectly fit how we want to play,” Staley said. “Her basketball IQ, defensive presence and resilience make her a special addition to our Gamecock family. And, with her ability to score inside, stretch the floor with her 3-point shot and impact the game on both ends of the court, she has the potential to continue our legacy of elite frontcourt players.”

The 6-foot-3 Andrews is the No. 18 player in the Class of 2026 after helping lead IMG Academy to a high school national championship in 2025, with her 12-point, 13-rebound performance ending the title run of her future teammate Agot Makeer and Montverde Academy. Prior to her first season at IMG Academy, she played at Hazel Green High School Andrews has also been a presence in USA Basketball, collecting gold medals in the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup and the 2023 FIBA U16 Americas Championship.

Andrews is the first signee for Staley in the 2026 Class.