Dutch Fork's Alaina Coates signs with Gamecocks

Alaina Coates (Irmo, S.C./Dutch Fork) signed a National Letter of Intent to attend South Carolina and play for the Gamecocks, the school announced Thursday.

The 6-foot-4 center will have four seasons of eligibility beginning with the 2013-14 season.

“We anticipate Alaina having a tremendous career at the University of South Carolina,” South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley said. “She’s someone we have had our eye on since we set foot on campus. I think the city of Columbia is proud she chose the University of South Carolina. We’re happy she’s joining our family because we get a big girl inside that is pretty skilled, and she’ll help us take this program to the next level.”

Coates helped Dutch Fork to a Class 4A state title last season, contributing 11 rebounds and five blocks in the title game. A three-time South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association All-State selection, she is the 28th ranked player in the 2013 class, according to ESPN.

Coates averaged 18.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.5 blocks as a junior.

Immediately following her junior season of basketball, she turned her attention to track and field and ranked fourth in the state in Class 4A shot put.

This story was originally published November 15, 2012 at 10:55 AM with the headline "Dutch Fork's Alaina Coates signs with Gamecocks."