Ashlyn Watkins, forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks, has announced she will sit out the entire 2025–26 basketball season to focus on recovery and personal growth. This decision follows a challenging year marked by injury and legal issues, prompting strong support from WNBA players including Kamilla Cardoso.
Ashlyn Watkins’ Decision to Pause Basketball for Healing
On a recent Instagram post, Ashlyn Watkins shared that she would take time off to prioritize her well-being, family, faith, and community. She explained this break as essential for her personal development and healing.
“With everything that’s happened this year, I’m going to take some time off to focus on myself, my community, my faith, and my family, so that I can grow as an individual and attempt to master this journey of life.” —Ashlyn Watkins
“So many of you have shown me love and encouragement, and because of that, I feel like I owe you a little insight into what’s been going on. … way. For now, I’ll be cheering on my team and working hard to come back even stronger in the 2026-27 season.” —Ashlyn Watkins
Friends and former teammates have voiced encouragement for Watkins during this period. Bree Hall, a former colleague, expressed her support in a heartfelt message.
“hold it down Grandma Ash! in due time,” Hall wrote accompanied by a love emoji. —Bree Hall
WNBA players Kamilla Cardoso of the Chicago Sky and Te-Hina Paopao of the Atlanta Dream also sent their best wishes, sharing love heart emojis to uplift Watkins.
Details of Ashlyn Watkins’ Injury
Watkins suffered a non-contact injury to her left knee on January 5 during a game against Mississippi State, collapsing after an awkward landing. This injury forced her to miss the remainder of the 2024–25 season. Prior to being sidelined, she had appeared in 14 games, averaging 7.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.
Legal Challenges Faced by Ashlyn Watkins Earlier in 2024
Watkins’ year has also been complicated by legal matters. On August 31, 2024, she was arrested by the University of South Carolina Police at a USC-affiliated apartment complex in Columbia, South Carolina. She faced charges related to first-degree assault and battery and kidnapping following an incident involving another individual.
Reports stated that Watkins allegedly forcefully grabbed the person involved and carried them against their will through a hallway. She was released on a $30,000 personal recognizance bond with strict conditions to avoid any contact or proximity to the victim’s home, school, workplace, and place of worship.
On November 1, 2024, after completing a pre-trial intervention program, a judge dismissed all charges against Watkins. She was then allowed to return to team activities and resumed practice on November 8, 2024.
The Broader Impact and What Lies Ahead for Ashlyn Watkins
Ashlyn Watkins’ decision to take a season off reflects a deep need to focus on healing both physically and mentally after a turbulent time marked by injury and legal struggles. The public support from prominent athletes like Kamilla Cardoso underscores the basketball community’s solidarity during difficult moments.
Watkins aims to come back stronger for the 2026–27 season, signaling hope for a resilient return to the court. Her journey highlights the importance of health and personal growth amidst athletic and personal challenges, making her path one to watch in the coming months.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Kamilla Cardoso apologize?
A. Kamilla Cardoso, a senior center from South Carolina, has apologized for her involvement in a fight during her team’s 79-72 win against LSU in the SEC Championship. She stated that she takes full responsibility for what happened.
Q. How much does Kamilla Cardoso get paid?
A. In the 2024 WNBA Draft, Cardoso, a 6’7″ center from Brazil, was picked third overall by the Sky. She agreed to a four-year rookie contract valued at $338,056. In 2024, her salary will be $76,535, then it will rise to $78,066 in 2025, $85,873 in 2026, and $97,582 in 2027.