Sheria Clarke heads to Senate, Dawn Staley breaks roster tradition: SC top stories

South Carolina is closing the week with two headlines drawing attention across the state — a federal judgeship nomination advancing in Washington and a notable shift inside Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks program. Here’s a quick look at what’s driving the conversation.

Here are key takeaways:

• Sheria Clarke clears Senate committee: Attorney Sheria Clarke advanced 15-7 out of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday and is expected to be confirmed soon by the Republican-controlled Senate for a lifetime federal judgeship that pays $249,000, according to The State.

• Backed by SC’s GOP senators: Sens. Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham, along with former U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy, helped Clarke secure the nomination from President Donald Trump. Graham called her “one of the most qualified people I have ever brought to the committee.”

• Florence-based seat: Clarke, who works at Nelson Mullins and previously served as a federal prosecutor in Columbia, will replace U.S. Judge Bryan Harwell, who is now on senior status. Law professor Carl Tobias predicted confirmation could come as soon as May.

• Staley going with a full 15: For only the second time in her 18 seasons at South Carolina, Dawn Staley will carry the NCAA’s maximum 15 players on the women’s basketball roster next season, according to The State.

• Why the change: The Gamecocks were down to just 10 healthy players last season after injuries to Ashlyn Watkins and Chloe Kitts. The new roster includes nine returners, Texas transfer Jordan Lee and a five-member 2026 recruiting class capped by French prospect Justine Loubens.

• Historical context: The only other time Staley carried 15 players was the 2021-22 season, when South Carolina went 35-2 and won the national championship.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.