South Carolina Women’s Basketball Lands Top Recruits: Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell Join Gamecocks’ Elite Roster, Boosting National Title Hopes
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina women’s basketball program has once again flexed its recruiting muscle, landing two major commitments that could further solidify its status as a national powerhouse. On Friday, the Gamecocks secured verbal commitments from two top-tier prospects: Agot Makeer, the No. 4 player in the 2025 recruiting class, and Ayla McDowell, a 6-foot-2 forward from Texas whose rising stock has drawn widespread attention.
Head coach Dawn Staley and her staff continue to build what many are calling the most formidable pipeline of talent in women’s college basketball. With the addition of Makeer and McDowell, South Carolina’s frontcourt depth and star power grow even stronger, positioning the Gamecocks to maintain their dominance well into the future.
Agot Makeer, a 6-foot-3 dynamic forward originally from Australia, has been a force on the high school and international circuits. Known for her athleticism, versatility, and high basketball IQ, Makeer is a game-changer on both ends of the floor. She excels in transition, possesses a strong mid-range jumper, and is a tenacious defender and rebounder. Her commitment is seen as a major recruiting victory over other elite programs such as UConn, LSU, and Stanford, all of whom were in heavy pursuit.
“I chose South Carolina because of Coach Staley’s vision, the culture of the team, and the opportunity to grow on and off the court,” Makeer said in her announcement. “It feels like home.”
Joining her is Ayla McDowell, a skilled and physical forward from Dallas, Texas. Standing at 6-foot-2, McDowell brings a unique blend of strength, agility, and finesse to the Gamecocks’ already imposing lineup. Known for her rebounding ability, post moves, and defensive grit, she’s projected to be a major contributor in the paint. Her high school coach praised her as “one of the most coachable and hardworking players I’ve ever worked with.”
“Ayla is a hidden gem with huge upside,” said recruiting analyst Natalie Jenkins. “She’s got the size and tools to thrive in the SEC, and in the South Carolina system, she’ll only get better.”
For Coach Staley, the additions of Makeer and McDowell are more than just wins on the recruiting trail—they’re investments in the program’s future. South Carolina is coming off another deep NCAA Tournament run and remains a perennial Final Four contender. These new recruits are expected to keep the program’s championship window wide open.
“We are thrilled to welcome Agot and Ayla to the Gamecock family,” Staley said in a statement. “Both of them bring something special—Agot with her elite athleticism and vision, and Ayla with her toughness and team-first mentality. They’re exactly the kind of players we want in Columbia.”
The commitments also underscore South Carolina’s growing international and national recruiting reach. While Makeer represents the increasingly global nature of the college game, McDowell’s emergence from a highly competitive Texas prep scene highlights the Gamecocks’ ability to identify and develop talent from across the country.
With these two additions, South Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the strongest in the nation. As the program eyes another national title, the future looks brighter than ever.
For Gamecock fans, the message is clear: the dynasty isn’t just continuing—it’s evolving.
