“Ash! We love you girl!” - Ashlyn Watkins fans rejoice over Dawn Staley and team’s encouraging message for South Carolina soccer team
South Carolina Gamecocks star Ashlyn Watkins has officially rejoined the team. The university announced Watkins' return to practice on Nov. 5. This came after legal charges against Watkins were reportedly dismissed on Nov. 1.
A video featuring Dawn Staley and the basketball team was shared on Instagram on Nov. 10. It was an uplifting message for the South Carolina soccer team. It was captioned,
"Hey @gamecockwsoccer, we already know what's coming today."
Many of Watkins' fans shared their excitement to see her present in the video.
One said, “Ash! We love you girl!”
"Ashlyn’s backkk its GAME OVER," another said.
"Awww I see Ashlyn!!! Welcome back!"
Another fan wished luck to both Watkins and the team.
"ASHHHHHHHHH!!! and good luck women's soccer"
Some other fans expressed the desire for the team to play, "Can’t wait to see yall! On our way from VA"
Dawn Staley expressed her emotions on Ashlyn Watkins' comeback
Head coach Dawn Staley addressed the media on Nov. 8 ahead of the Gamecocks' clash against NC State. Staley shared her excitement about having a complete roster once again.
“We're at our very best when we got our full roster, especially healthy,” Staley said. “I mean, it feels good, I mean, it feels natural, it doesn't feel unnatural to us. It feels like we're complete now.”
Watkins is gradually getting back into the groove after missing the preseason and the beginning of the season due to legal issues. She could be seen participating in workouts with her teammates on Friday.
Watkins’ return follows a resolution of legal charges stemming from an incident on Aug. 31 at the campus housing facility 650 Lincoln. According to arrest warrants, Watkins was charged with assault and kidnapping after allegedly “forcefully grabbing [the victim’s] face, pulling her by her arms, and pushing her.”
These charges were reportedly dismissed on Nov. 1, following Watkins’ completion of a Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program. PTI is an option for first-time offenders that allows them to avoid formal charges if they complete certain court-ordered requirements.
Watkins led the Southeastern Conference with 91 blocks last season. The Columbia averaged 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. She is a top prospect for the 2026 WNBA Draft, with many projecting her as a potential top-three pick.
Also read: Are South Carolina's Ashlyn Watkins and USC's JuJu Watkins related?