Dawn Staley welcomes Ayla McDowell as the first signee of her 2025 class (Image Source: IMAGN)

Dawn Staley was over the moon as Ayla McDowell, one of the most sought-after prospects in the Class of 2025, officially committed to the South Carolina Gamecocks. McDowell becomes Staley’s first signee of the 2025 class, sending a strong signal of the Gamecocks’ intent for the future.

Earlier today, Staley took to social media to celebrate McDowell’s commitment. She put out a post on X/Twitter, urging staunch supporters of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program to welcome the talented guard along with her.

Staley wrote, “Blessings on blessings on blessings….welcome @aylamm2_ and your entire family to Gamecock country! @GamecockWBB FAMs you know what to do!!”

In the Gamecocks’ official announcement of McDowell’s commitment, Staley spoke about McDowell’s strengths and discussed what she could bring to the team, before extending a warm welcome to her and her family.

“Ayla is an elite wing who can score at all three levels and is a Swiss army knife on defense with the ability to guard every position,” Staley said. “She is blessed with great size and athleticism that allow her to impact the game on both ends of the floor.

“A winner at every level, she moves the needle for her teams. As selfless as she is on the floor, she is even more of a giver off it, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Ayla and her family to Columbia,” she added.

Who is Ayla McDowell, Dawn Staley’s first 2025 class signee?

Ayla McDowell is a five-star prospect ranked No. 22 in the ESPNW 100 list of top prospects in the Class of 2025. She represents Cypress Springs High School and enjoyed a stellar junior season in which she led them to the 6A regional semifinals with a stunning 30-3 record.

McDowell averaged an astonishing 19.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.4 assists in her junior season, establishing herself as a prospect that every college in the nation would want on their roster next year.

On July 15, the Gamecocks made McDowell an offer. She subsequently visited South Carolina on Oct. 5 and watched the Gamecocks’ football game against the Ole Miss Rebels. Per On3, she shut down her recruitment following her trip to Columbia, and made her decision final earlier today, much to Dawn Staley’s delight.