South Carolina basketball’s Olivia Thompson confirms she’s moving on
South Carolina senior guard Olivia Thompson has announced her departure from the women’s basketball program after four years.
Thompson used social media to announce her decision Tuesday.
She posted an image to Instagram with the message: “BYE. ... it’s all jokes FAMS. with love.”
Thompson had the option to use her extra year of eligibility, which was granted to athletes who played in the COVID-19-plagued 2020-21 season. She told The State during the NCAA Tournament that she didn’t intend to use that extra year.
Thompson, a psychology major, said she’d love to stay connected to the program as she figures out her next career step.
“There’s no bitterness to it,” she told The State in March. “You know, everything ends at some point. But I’m really excited. I’m forever grateful for this opportunity that I’ve had here. It’s just time for something new.”
The senior guard from Lexington High School joined the team as a walk-on before earning a full scholarship in 2020. She was known mostly for her shooting ability, coming into the last few minutes of games to knock down a win-sealing 3-pointer.
Thompson was a member of South Carolina’s “Freshies” class from 2019, with Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, Brea Beal and Laeticia Amihere. The latter four have all declared for the WNBA Draft.
