Maddy McDaniel steps away from South Carolina for mental health
The Gamecocks guard said she is leaving the team to focus on her mental and emotional well-being ahead of a larger expected role.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel is stepping away from the Gamecocks women’s basketball team for mental health reasons, she announced Thursday on social media.
McDaniel said in her post that athletes know mental strength matters as much as physical strength, though it does not always make itself as obvious when it needs care. She said she had tried to continue on, but felt she was not giving the program her best.
“I’ve tried to just keep going, but right now I’m not giving my coaches, my teammates and the FAMS the best version of myself that they deserve,” McDaniel wrote, according to CBS Sports. She said she decided to step away so she could focus on her mental and emotional well-being and return to her best “on all levels.”
No timetable for McDaniel’s return was announced. She ended her message by thanking those who have supported her and said she would work to get back to the person she has “earned” being, according to CBS Sports.
Staley backs her guard
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley publicly supported McDaniel’s decision in a statement, saying the program gives players room when they are dealing with personal challenges.
“If we see anyone in our program going through something, we give them the space and the race to work through it,” Staley said, according to CBS Sports. “When they embrace that it may take more than that, we embrace that too.”
Staley also said McDaniel’s choice was difficult for a young person and that she was glad the guard felt the program was “a safe place” to make it.
The decision comes at a significant basketball moment for South Carolina. CBS Sports reported that McDaniel is the only true point guard on the roster, and she was expected to take on a bigger role after Raven Johnson moved on to the WNBA.
McDaniel, a 5-foot-9 rising junior, averaged 4.3 points and 2.7 assists last season while playing 19.7 minutes per game off the bench, according to CBS Sports.
A reshaped Gamecocks backcourt
South Carolina added talent during the offseason, including former Texas guard Jordan Lee through the transfer portal, CBS Sports reported. The roster has 15 players, with six listed as guards, according to the report.
McDaniel’s absence leaves Staley with a backcourt adjustment before the season begins. The Gamecocks are scheduled to open on Nov. 2 against Maryland in Paris, France.
South Carolina has had another recent leave of absence within the program. Forward Ashlyn Watkins stepped away for the 2025-26 season to focus on herself, according to CBS Sports. Watkins later rejoined the team for summer workouts and is expected to return for her senior season.
For now, McDaniel’s focus is away from the floor. Her announcement put her health first, and Staley’s response made clear the Gamecocks are giving her room to do that.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.