**Brooklyn Stewart, Nation’s Top Guard, Commits to South Carolina**
The South Carolina women’s basketball program secured a monumental commitment on Tuesday as five-star guard Brooklyn Stewart, the No. 1 overall player in the 2025 class according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, announced her decision to join the Gamecocks. The 5’9” playmaker, known for her elite scoring ability, court vision, and defensive tenacity, becomes the third commit for South Carolina in the 2025 cycle, further solidifying the program’s status as a perennial powerhouse under head coach Dawn Staley.
Stewart’s commitment is a massive win for the Gamecocks, who continue to dominate on the recruiting trail. A dynamic combo guard with the ability to take over games on both ends of the floor, she has drawn comparisons to some of the best guards in recent college basketball history due to her polished offensive game and relentless competitive drive. Her versatility allows her to play either on or off the ball, making her an ideal fit in Staley’s system, which prioritizes guard play and defensive intensity.
Hailing from Duncanville, Texas, Stewart has been a standout since her early high school days, leading her team to multiple state championships while earning numerous individual accolades. Her ability to score at all three levels—attacking the rim, pulling up from midrange, and knocking down deep threes—makes her nearly unguardable in one-on-one situations. Defensively, she’s a nightmare for opposing ball-handlers, using her quick hands and high basketball IQ to generate steals and transition opportunities.
South Carolina’s 2025 class is shaping up to be one of the best in the nation, with Stewart joining four-star shooting guard Taylor Greene, another highly touted prospect with a smooth shooting stroke and strong defensive instincts. The addition of Stewart ensures that the Gamecocks will remain in national championship contention for years to come, as Staley continues to reload with elite talent rather than rebuild.
Stewart’s decision didn’t come as a complete surprise to those closely following her recruitment. South Carolina had long been considered the favorite due to its winning culture, player development, and Staley’s reputation for molding guards into WNBA-ready prospects. Stewart took multiple visits to Columbia and developed strong relationships with the coaching staff and current players, who emphasized the family atmosphere within the program.
Her commitment also sends a strong message to the rest of the country that South Carolina isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Despite losing key players to graduation and the WNBA Draft in recent years, the Gamecocks have consistently remained at the top of the sport, thanks in large part to Staley’s ability to recruit and develop the best talent in the nation. Stewart’s arrival will help fill the void left by departing stars, ensuring that South Carolina remains a dominant force in the SEC and on the national stage.
Beyond her on-court abilities, Stewart brings leadership and a winning mentality to Columbia. Coaches and teammates have praised her work ethic and unselfishness, traits that align perfectly with South Carolina’s team-first philosophy. Her presence will elevate the play of those around her, and her experience in high-pressure situations will be invaluable as the Gamecocks pursue future championships.
The ripple effects of Stewart’s commitment could extend beyond just her own class. Top recruits often want to play alongside other elite talent, and her decision may influence other high-profile prospects to consider South Carolina. The Gamecocks are still in the mix for several other five-star recruits in the 2025 cycle, and Stewart’s announcement could be the first domino to fall in what might become a historic recruiting haul.
For Stewart, the choice to join South Carolina represents the next step in her journey toward reaching her full potential. Under Staley’s guidance, she’ll have the opportunity to refine her game, compete for championships, and prepare for a future at the professional level. Given Staley’s track record with guards—including recent standouts like Tyasha Harris, Destanni Henderson, and current star Raven Johnson—Stewart couldn’t have picked a better program to maximize her abilities.
As the 2025 recruiting cycle continues to unfold, South Carolina’s class is already making waves, and Stewart’s commitment is the crown jewel. Her arrival in Columbia will bring excitement, high expectations, and the promise of more greatness for a program that has become the gold standard in women’s college basketball. Gamecock fans have every reason to celebrate—not just for landing the nation’s top player, but for securing a foundational piece who will help keep South Carolina at the pinnacle of the sport for years to come.
With Stewart now in the fold, the future looks as bright as ever for Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks. The pursuit of more championships continues, and with a talent like Brooklyn Stewart leading the charge, South Carolina’s dominance shows no signs of slowing down.
