A standout player from the South Carolina women's basketball team, MiLaysia Fulwiley, has been named as one of four finalists for the esteemed Dawn Staley Award. Recognizing excellence in college basketball, this award highlights players who embody former Gamecocks' head coach Dawn Staley's skills and competitive spirit. Joining Fulwiley on the shortlist are Paige Bueckers from UConn, Juju Watkins from Southern Cal, and Hannah Hidalgo from Notre Dame. The award honors athletes demonstrating exceptional ball-handling, scoring, passing, and a relentless will to win. This year, Fulwiley has shown remarkable improvement across multiple areas of her game.

The sophomore athlete from Columbia, South Carolina, has made significant strides in her defensive capabilities while maintaining strong offensive contributions. Her season averages include 12 points, 3 rebounds, nearly 2 assists, and over 1 steal per game. Earlier this month, she was recognized with the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year and an All-SEC Second Team nod by league coaches. Following these accolades, Fulwiley delivered an impressive performance that earned her a place on the SEC Tournament All-Tournament Team after helping the Gamecocks secure their third consecutive tournament title.

Throughout the regular season, Fulwiley emerged as a key figure for the Gamecocks, averaging 13.4 points in SEC games and reaching double figures in 11 of her last 13 contests. She set a personal best with 24 points against Vanderbilt and led her team in scoring seven times. Additionally, her defensive prowess became evident during conference play, where she ranked among the top shot-blocking guards in the league and excelled in steals. In eight games, including matches against top-15 opponents, she achieved at least three steals per contest.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming NCAA Tournament, South Carolina awaits its seeding and first opponent, which will be announced on ESPN. Fans can stay updated via GamecocksOnline.com or the team’s social media platforms. With her nomination for the Dawn Staley Award, Fulwiley continues to make her mark in collegiate basketball, showcasing both skill and determination.

With her multifaceted contributions to the team, MiLaysia Fulwiley exemplifies what it means to be a dynamic force on the court. Her ability to adapt and excel in various roles positions her as a formidable contender for the Dawn Staley Award, reflecting the legacy of Coach Staley through her own achievements. As the nation tunes in for the NCAA Tournament announcements, Fulwiley stands ready to further elevate her game and bring pride to her home state of South Carolina.