After nearly a month off the court, Maddy McDaniel stepped back into the game, ready to make her mark. But sometimes, the return is a little rougher than expected—especially when facing the high standards set by one of the most demanding coaches in college basketball. Dawn Staley, known for her no-nonsense approach, didn’t mince words as she gave McDaniel a reality check.

Following Thursday night’s 76-58 victory over #19 Alabama, South Carolina HC Dawn Staley sat down with the media to discuss the game, including Maddy McDaniel’s return after a 29-day hiatus.“She’s a little rusty,” said Staley acknowledging that it would take time for McDaniel to shake off the effects of her long break.

While Staley commended McDaniel’s determination, she clarified that regaining sharpness would take more than just stepping back onto the floor. “She’s a fighter, she’s a competitor,” Staley said, adding, “She’ll get it together.” For now, Staley is focused on giving McDaniel opportunities to find her rhythm, hoping that the minutes on the court will help her get back to full form.

Staley was straightforward when asked if this was what she expected from McDaniel in her return: “Yeah, I mean, it’s expected. It’s a long layoff, and we knew she’d need some time to shake off the rust. But the key is, she’ll put in the work, and I’m confident she’ll find her rhythm soon.”

The reality check is clear – simply stepping back onto the court wouldn’t be enough for McDaniel to return to her best. It was a stark reminder that in high-level college basketball, getting back to peak form after a long break demands more than just time on the floor—it requires consistent effort, sharp focus, and mental resilience. McDaniel has displayed these qualities before, and as she works to shake off the rust, she’ll need to tap into that same determination to regain her full potential.

Dawn Staley comments on Joyce Edwards’ heroic performance in win over Alabama

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley praised freshman Joyce Edwards for stepping up when her team needed it most in the Gamecocks’ 76-58 victory over No. 19 Alabama. Edwards, who scored a career-high 21 points, played a key role in South Carolina’s win, particularly in the final 10 minutes, where she scored 11 points and showed poise under pressure.

“Joyce is special,” Staley remarked postgame. “She works really hard at it, she doesn’t take plays off… she’s a relentless worker, a tireless worker and she wants to be great at everything she does.”

Staley also noted Edwards’ impressive consistency over the past few games, stating that she had found her footing and understood the gap that needed to be closed in the absence of key players.

Edwards’ maturity and confidence were crucial in the game’s final stretch. With South Carolina’s lead dwindling to just six points entering the fourth quarter, Edwards responded by scoring five points in 40 seconds, including a layup through contact. Her clutch performance helped maintain the Gamecocks’ control, ensuring they stayed ahead as Alabama mounted a late rally.

“I didn’t feel any pressure to do that, it’s just something that we all do,” Edwards said, reflecting on her performance. “My teammates really found me in the mismatch, and I just went to work.” The key is keep going, and that’s what the player appears to be doing.