Dawn Staley, South Carolina land commitment from 5-star recruit Kaeli Wynn
Dawn Staley and the No. 2 South Carolina women’s basketball team have earned a commitment from a 5-star recruit.
Kaeli Wynn, a 6-foot-2 forward from Mater Dei High School in California, announced her pledge to the Gamecocks on Monday. She picked USC over Stanford.
Wynn is a five-star prospect and ranked No. 17 in ESPN’s Top 100 for the class of 2026.
“I chose South Carolina because of Coach Staley’s leadership, the program’s championship culture, and the energy of Gamecock Nation that made Columbia feel like home,” Wynn told ESPN. “I’m looking forward to competing at the highest level and helping the Gamecocks win more SEC and National Championships.”
Wynn took an official visit with the Gamecocks on Sept. 5 and was spotted sitting behind South Carolina’s bench during its exhibition against Anderson last month.
Brandon Clay, the 247Sports director of women’s basketball scouting, describes Wynn as “one of the country’s more versatile options at the forward position.”
“She has the tools and moxie to be productive in the right fit at the college level,” Clay said.
ESPN called Wynn the “ultimate versatile hooper.”
Wynn missed the second half of her last high school season and summer ball after dislocating her knee. Prior to her injury, Wynn was averaging 17.7 points per game. She averaged 13.3 points per game on the 2024 summer the club circuit, per ESPN.
Wynn is the second commitment for Staley and the Gamecocks in the class of 2026. She joins four-star forward Kelsi Andrews who committed in October. Andrews is the No. 18 ranked recruit in ESPN’s rankings, right behind Wynn.
The early signing period for Division I women’s basketball starts Wednesday.
This story was originally published November 10, 2025 at 6:05 PM.
