Maddy McDaniel got ready to take over as the point guard for the Gamecocks..

Maddy McDaniel prepared to step into role as Gamecocks’ point guard

Maddy McDaniel carved out her own niche at South Carolina this season.

COLUMBIA — There were tears — and sadness — as there should have been. While the story of South Carolina’s 2025-26 season will be how much the Gamecocks overachieved, not letting a litany of injuries keep them from reaching a third straight national championship game, of course the Gamecocks would much prefer winning that national championship.

Yet there was also optimism and excitement in that locker room following the title game. There’s always next year, rising junior Maddy McDaniel said, and she plans for it to be her year.

It’s her turn now.

“I’m definitely ready. I just feel like this year has prepped me a lot over the summer and everything. I just feel like I’ve been prepared more than enough to take over when Raven is gone,” McDaniel said. “I’m ready for it. I mean, this is what I came here for, to play on a big stage and to play in front of big crowds.”