Despite joining the Gamecocks late in recruitment, Maddy McDaniel forged a strong connection with head coach Dawn Staley, a bond that quickly proved invaluable. “Maddy makes me smile,” Coach Staley recently said. While Critics doubted her decision to play for South Carolina, McDaniel let her game speak louder than words. Even former NCAA champion Angel Reese showed her support for McDaniel’s bold choice. And just to cap things off, McDaniel helped South Carolina clinch a crucial win over Duke, silencing doubters in the process.

Colonial Life Arena was electric on Thursday as South Carolina faced off against Duke in a top-10 showdown. The No. 4 Gamecocks (8-1) outlasted the No. 9 Blue Devils (8-2) in the SEC/ACC Challenge, securing an 81-70 victory. McDaniel’s steady hand at point guard was pivotal. Her ability to read the game and handle pressure stood out, solidifying her role on the court. South Carolina fans witnessed firsthand why McDaniel is a star in the making.

“She has a calming presence,” said fifth-year guard Te-Hina Paopao. “She knows when to go, knows when not to go, plays with really good pace, tempo and she’s just really good.” These aren’t just hollow words. McDaniel’s performance backed them up, prompting Coach Staley to address the critics head-on. “Some people told her that she’s making the worst decision of her life. And we won’t play her until her junior year. Like, and I mean, I’m happy because she’s proven them wrong.”

Staley didn’t hold back her admiration for McDaniel’s courage. “She could have gone to any school,” Staley explained, referencing Duke and Georgia as options. “And when you choose to come here, knowing that we had Powell, knowing we had Raven… that could be intimidating.” Yet McDaniel chose South Carolina, and it’s already paying off. “A player like Maddie’s always going to be successful because of her approach to everything she does.”

McDaniel’s stats against Duke—seven points on 3-of-5 shooting, three steals, and a plus-14 rating—showed her impact. In 16 minutes, she delivered key plays, proving she belongs on this stage. With performances like this, the 18-year-old is averaging five points and 3.5 assists this season, steadily building her case as one of South Carolina’s rising stars.

Maddy McDaniel proving Dawn Staley right

During a press conference for the McDonald’s All-American Game, McDaniel opened up about her unique connection with Dawn Staley. “Such a great person, like surprisingly, they were one of the later schools to come on in my recruitment,” McDaniel shared. “But I felt like…with our relationship, she’s just so down to earth you wouldn’t think that.” For McDaniel, Staley isn’t just a coach—she’s someone who truly understands her.

And the admiration is mutual. Staley didn’t hold back her praise for McDaniel, calling her “a luxury.” But it’s not just about potential; McDaniel is putting in the work. This season, she’s averaging 5.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, all while shooting an impressive 65% from the field in 17.7 minutes per game. Clearly, she’s making her minutes count.

Even stars like Angel Reese are rooting for her. When McDaniel posted her commitment to Carolina, Reese couldn’t hold back her excitement. “Always my babyyyy,” Reese commented, adding, “Turn up kiddo.” The WNBA Rookie of the Year runner-up even shared the post to her Instagram story with another heartfelt message: “My babyyyy.”