While the sting of a second consecutive national championship loss is fresh, the work for Dawn Staley and South Carolina women's basketball never stops. The focus now shifts decisively to the future, as Coach Staley begins the crucial task of constructing her roster for the 2026-27 campaign.

This past season was a testament to resilience. Despite losing star forwards Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins before it even began, and battling a relentless wave of injuries and illness, the Gamecocks fought their way to a third straight title game. Using eight different starting lineups and rarely fielding a full roster, Staley's squad overachieved, making their championship appearance a significant accomplishment in itself.

Now, the transfer portal becomes the central arena for building the next contender. Every move in and out of Columbia will be pivotal as Staley looks to reload, address needs, and craft a team capable of finishing the job. Follow along here for the latest updates on who's joining the Gamecocks and who's moving on, as the foundation for another championship run is laid.