MiLaysia Fulwiley, a standout guard for South Carolina, initially surprised many by entering the NCAA transfer portal after the 2024–25 season.

MiLaysia Fulwiley, a standout guard for South Carolina, initially surprised many by entering the NCAA transfer portal after the 2024–25 season.

Riding high as the SEC Sixth Player of the Year and a key contributor in South Carolina’s championship push, her decision to leave—and subsequently commit to rival LSU—raised eyebrows .

 

However, in a surprising twist, she reversed course: Fulwiley withdrew from the 2025 WNBA Draft, officially removed herself from the transfer portal, and announced her return to the Gamecocks—while simultaneously tendering her resignation from LSU before even suiting up .

 

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley has offered a candid and supportive response throughout. In a May 22 interview on The Breakfast Club, she expressed no ill feelings, saying, “You’re always gonna be a Gamecock,” and encouraged Fulwiley to pursue happiness wherever that led her—even if it meant leaving her hometown program .

 

The reversal comes just weeks after Fulwiley’s earlier transfer revelation, marking a whirlwind of decisions: from declaring for the WNBA Draft, to committing to LSU, to the current return to South Carolina. The resignation from LSU effectively nullifies her brief Tiger tenure, allowing her to rejoin the Gamecocks fully.

 

This series of events not only highlights Fulwiley’s value—as both the Gamecocks and Tigers eagerly sought her talents—but also underscores her own agency in terms of career footing, weighing professional ambitions against collegiate fit and personal alignment.

 

Now back in Columbia, Fulwiley is poised for a pivotal role in South Carolina’s upcoming season. With her blend of SEC accolades, national championship pedigree, and Bellwether resilience, she’ll be a player to watch as the Gamecocks aim to defend their title and vie for further dominance.