University of South Carolina’s Maddy McDaniel (1) swipes the ball from Anderson’s Kyia Barrett (23) during the second half of action at the Colonial Life Arena on Friday Oct. 24, 2025.
tglantz@thestate.com
South Carolina women’s basketball and Dawn Staley have suspended sophomore guard Maddy McDaniel, the team announced late Tuesday.
The team posted the following statement on X ahead of Tuesday’s home game vs. Clemson at Colonial Life Arena: “Maddy McDaniel will not be at tonight’s game. She has been suspended.”
It’s unclear why McDaniel was suspended, or how long she’ll be suspended.
McDaniel has played in one of No. 2 South Carolina’s two games this season. She left the Gamecocks’ season opener against Grand Canyon early with an injury. McDaniel did not play in South Carolina’s game against Bowling Green on Friday and was wearing a brace on her right knee.
Coming into this season McDaniel was expected to be the first off the bench for South Carolina and be the second unit’s point guard this season. As a freshman, McDaniel averaged 11 minutes of play in 30 games while scoring 3.1 points per game.
McDaniel’s absence leaves an already thin South Carolina roster with even less healthy bodies. The Gamecocks have nine players available for tonight’s game.
This means South Carolina’s trio of starting guards — Raven Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson and Tessa Johnson — will likely carry more weight.
It also means true freshmen guards Agot Makeer, who left Friday’s game with an apparent injury, and Ayla McDowell are in line to receive more bench minutes and increased responsibility.
Michael Sauls is The State’s South Carolina women’s basketball reporter. He previously worked at The Virginian-Pilot covering Norfolk State and Hampton University sports. A Columbia native, he is an alum of the University of South Carolina.
Support my work with a digital subscription
