Nov. 15, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley announced today the signing of 6-foot-4 center Alaina Coates (Irmo, S.C./Dutch Fork) to a National Letter of Intent to attend the University and play for the Gamecocks. Coates will have four seasons of eligibility beginning with the 2013-14 season.

“We anticipate Alaina having a tremendous career at the University of South Carolina,” Staley sad. “She’s someone we have had our eye on since we set foot on campus. I think the city of Columbia is proud she chose the University of South Carolina. We’re happy she’s joining our family because we get a big girl inside that is pretty skilled, and she’ll help us take this program to the next level.”

Coates helped Dutch Fork to a Class 4A state title last season, contributing 11 rebounds and five blocks in the title game. A three-time South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association All-State selection, she is the 28th ranked player in the 2013 class, according to ESPN. Coates averaged 18.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.5 blocks as a junior. Immediately following her junior season of basketball, she turned her attention to track and field and ranked fourth in the state in Class 4A shot put.