Gamecocks Make History: 7’5″ Top-Ranked Prospect Sarah Strong Commits to South Carolina — Dawn Staley Lands a Generational Talent
Columbia, South Carolina — In a move that has sent shockwaves across the world of women’s college basketball, 7-foot-5 phenom and top-ranked national prospect Sarah Strong has officially committed to the University of South Carolina, making history not only for the Gamecocks but for the sport itself. Widely regarded as the most dominant high school women’s basketball recruit in decades — and one of the tallest to ever play the game — Strong’s decision to join Dawn Staley’s powerhouse program has elevated the Gamecocks’ trajectory from elite to potentially unprecedented.
The commitment was announced in dramatic fashion on social media, where Strong, surrounded by family, teammates, and friends, revealed a Gamecocks jersey and proudly declared, “I’m taking my talents to Columbia — Go Gamecocks!”
The Most Sought-After Prospect of the Modern Era
Sarah Strong has been on the radar of every major program since middle school. Standing at 7-foot-5 with a 7-foot-8 wingspan, she possesses a combination of size, skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ that is truly once in a generation. Strong has drawn comparisons to WNBA and international legends, but even those seem inadequate.
Averaging a staggering 34.6 points, 19.3 rebounds, 6.1 blocks, and 4.7 assists per game during her senior season at Highland Prep in Nevada, Strong didn’t just dominate — she obliterated the competition. Scouts rave about her ability to move fluidly for her size, her court vision, and her ability to defend all five positions.
“Sarah isn’t just tall,” said ESPN women’s basketball analyst LaChina Robinson. “She’s complete. She can shoot threes, pass like a point guard, and erase anything at the rim. This commitment could shift the balance of power in women’s basketball for years.”
Why South Carolina?
While schools like UConn, Stanford, LSU, and Tennessee made aggressive pushes to land Strong, it was Dawn Staley’s vision and authenticity that sealed the deal.
“Coach Staley didn’t just talk about basketball,” Strong said in a post-announcement interview. “She talked about life, leadership, and what it means to be part of a sisterhood. South Carolina felt like home.”
Staley, a former Olympian and current gold-standard head coach, has built a legacy in Columbia rooted in excellence, community, and empowerment. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have captured multiple SEC titles, national championships, and produced WNBA stars like A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and Zia Cooke. Now, she’s set to guide what may be the most physically gifted player ever seen at the collegiate level.
“Sarah is special,” said Coach Staley. “She’s not just a basketball player — she’s a game-changer, a young woman with the poise of a veteran and the hunger to lead. We are beyond honored to welcome her to the Gamecock family.”
A Media Frenzy and Global Buzz
The announcement has drawn intense national — and international — attention. Within hours, #SarahStrong and #GamecocksTrilogy were trending across all platforms. Sports Illustrated called it “the most impactful commitment in women’s college basketball since Breanna Stewart.” NBA stars like LeBron James and WNBA legends like Lisa Leslie publicly congratulated Strong on her bold decision.
Even outside the sports world, celebrities and influencers chimed in. Strong, already boasting over a million Instagram followers, is expected to sign multiple NIL deals worth seven figures before she even plays a collegiate game. Marketing agencies are projecting that she could become the most marketable female college athlete ever.
A Program Reimagined
With Strong’s commitment, South Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class has now been labeled by ESPN as “the most stacked class in history.” She joins a group that already includes two other top-10 recruits: slashing wing Maya Barnes and elite guard Crystal Jenkins.
Her presence immediately gives South Carolina a terrifying