Chloe Kitts: The Rising Star Powering South Carolina’s Championship Pursuit
Chloe Kitts, a pivotal player for the top-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks, is rapidly solidifying her status as one of the most exciting talents in women’s college basketball. Her contributions are crucial to South Carolina’s quest for another national championship, a journey that began with a dominant 108-48 victory over Tennessee Tech in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and continued with a hard-fought win against Indiana on Sunday. While the team’s overall success is a collective effort, Kitts’ individual performance and trajectory are drawing significant attention.
The 6-foot-2 junior forward played a significant role in the Gamecocks’ recent 64-53 triumph over Indiana, recording an impressive double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. This performance marked her 10th double-double of the season, underscoring her consistency and impact on both ends of the court. Kitts’ ability to contribute offensively while also dominating the boards makes her a valuable asset for South Carolina.
At just 20 years old, Kitts is already in her third season with the Gamecocks. Although she won’t be eligible for the WNBA Draft until 2026 due to league regulations requiring domestic draft entrants to be at least 22 years old and to have exhausted their college eligibility or renounced it, her future in professional basketball seems bright. She will be a player that WNBA teams have a keen eye on as she continues to improve her game.
Currently, Kitts is a mainstay in the Gamecocks’ starting lineup, having started all 34 games this season. Her consistent presence on the court speaks volumes about her reliability and the trust that Coach Dawn Staley places in her. Statistically, she’s averaging 10.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Her efficiency around the basket is noteworthy, as she boasts a 53.2% field goal percentage. While her three-point shooting is still developing at 27.8% (5-18), the potential for growth in this area adds another dimension to her already versatile game.
Kitts’ journey to becoming a key player for South Carolina began in 2023 when she made her NCAA Tournament debut against Norfolk State. Although her initial contribution was modest with two points, a rebound, and a steal, it marked the beginning of her ascent within the program. Fast forward to the 2024 national championship game against Iowa, where she showcased her growth and composure by recording a crucial double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, contributing significantly to the Gamecocks’ victory.
Originally from Oviedo, Florida, Kitts’ high school career saw her excel at The Masters Academy, where she led her team to the Class 3A title game. She then transferred to DME Academy in Daytona Beach, further honing her skills and averaging 18.7 points and 8.2 rebounds. Her performance at DME Academy earned her recognition as a MaxPreps Junior All-America Second Team selection, solidifying her reputation as a top prospect.
Kitts was ranked as the No. 17 player nationally in the 2023 recruiting class by ESPN, a testament to her talent and potential. As a highly sought-after five-star recruit, she made the decision to enroll early at South Carolina, demonstrating her eagerness to begin her college career and contribute to the Gamecocks’ program.
Beyond her on-court accomplishments, Kitts is also known for her relationship with fellow South Carolina basketball star Collin Murray-Boyles. Murray-Boyles, a sophomore forward, is a key player for the men’s team, averaging 16.8 points and 8.2 rebounds. The couple’s relationship became public in April 2024 when Kitts shared photos of them attending a South Carolina gala, as reported by People magazine, offering fans a glimpse into their lives off the court.
Chloe Kitts’ story is one of dedication, hard work, and continuous improvement. From her early days in Florida high school basketball to her current role as a key player for the nation’s top-ranked team, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellence. As South Carolina navigates the NCAA Tournament, Kitts will undoubtedly play a vital role in their pursuit of another national championship. Her combination of skill, athleticism, and determination makes her a force to be reckoned with, and her future in basketball is undoubtedly bright. Her continued development will be exciting to watch, and she will surely be a key player in the women’s basketball landscape for years to come.
