“She Gave Us More Than Basketball”

Chloe Kitts, a standout forward and one of the rising stars of the program, announced the donation in a heartfelt statement on Friday morning.

“Coach Staley didn’t just teach us how to win games—she taught us how to show up for people, how to use our voices, and how to love fiercely. This is our way of saying thank you—not with trophies, but with transformation,” Kitts said.

The shelter, located just blocks from where Dawn Staley grew up in North Philly, will be named “The Legacy House.” Plans include temporary housing, access to mental health services, educational programs, and a basketball court—because, as one team member put it, “hope and hoops go hand in hand.”

The Vision of Legacy

The idea was born during a quiet team dinner earlier this year. Kitts, along with teammates Kamilla Cardoso, Raven Johnson, and Te-Hina Paopao, were discussing life after basketball and the impact Coach Staley had made on their lives. That conversation soon evolved into a mission.

With support from private donors, university alumni, and personal contributions from the players themselves—including NIL earnings—the team was able to raise $4.1 million to acquire and renovate the property. Work has already begun, with plans to open the facility by December 2025, just in time for the holidays.

‘Job’s Not Finished’: Chloe Kitts Locks Her Sights On Final Four Seeking A Championship

South Carolina Gamecocks forward Chloe Kitts made her aspirations for a championship once more, as she and her team aim to defend their title in the NCAA Tournament.

In a video posted on Instagram, Chloe Kitts talked about her desire to further improve her game, and that her work with South Carolina is “not yet done.”

“Even as a kid, I was very basketball-focused,” Kitts wrote in the post. “I was always looking for ways to improve my game, get extra shots in, and play against the best possible competition I could find. I’m proud of all the work I’ve put into this point, but the job’s not finished

The 2025 Final Four holds immense significance for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team. It marks their fifth consecutive appearance at this stage, showcasing their consistency and dominance under Coach Dawn Staley’s leadership.

Their Final Four appearance this season also puts them closer to their dream second championship in a row. Additionally, this Final Four serves as a testament to the growth and contributions of players like Chloe Kitts, Te-Hina Paopao, and Sania Feagin, who have stepped up in crucial moments.

The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team has made seven Final Four appearances in their history, all under the leadership of Coach Dawn Staley. These appearances occurred in 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

South Carolina forward Chloe Kitts (21) talks to her teammates during drills at practice at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, Thursday, April 3, 2025 ahead of their Final Four match-up against the Texas Longhorns on Friday.

In terms of championships, the Gamecocks have won three national titles so far. They claimed these victories in 2017, 2022, and 2024

Chloe Kitts’ HC Described Final Four Stint as a “Business Trip”

South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley described her Final Four stint along with Chloe Kitts and the rest of the team as a “business trip,” but that doesn’t mean they are also not out to have fun along the way.

“Our players are ready. They’re focused. Obviously they’ve been here before,” Staley said. “They understand that this is a business trip but you want to enjoy this journey. You never know when it’s your last time coming to a Final Four.”

“So while we’re here, we’re going to enjoy it, but at the same time, it’s a business trip for us,” she added.