What happened to Ashlyn Watkins? Latest update on Dawn Staley's star player as the NCAA season approaches

Dawn Staley is entering her 17th season with South Carolina and the legendary coach has already proven why her team is a formidable force on the field by winning two championships in the last three seasons. They finished the season undefeated last year and captured the trophy by defeating Caitlin Clark's Iowa in the final. However, to replicate that brilliance, Staley needs her influential players on the roster. A standout on this squad is Ashlyn Watkins, who made history in her freshman year by becoming the first player in Gamecock history to complete a dunk.

The now 21-year-old striker may not have been a regular starter, but she certainly made her presence felt when she came on as a substitute for Dawn Staley's squad last season. However, as the new season begins, it looks like Staley will have to make do without Watkins' contributions during her junior year. Why?

Uncertain future: Legal issues mar Ashlyn Watkins' junior season

Ashlyn Watkins' participation in the upcoming season remains uncertain and fans and teammates are wondering when she might return to the court. The situation is not due to any type of injury; Rather, the talented 20-year-old striker was mired in legal issues that took her to court.

The South Carolina forward was charged Aug. 31 with assault and kidnapping of an unknown victim, who she later confirmed was her friend. Authorities issued a warrant for her arrest, which was reportedly supported by evidence, The Greenville News reported.

The Greenville News obtained the arrest warrant in September. It said Watkins allegedly assaulted the victim “forcibly grab her face, pull her hair and push her.” and that she controlled the victim's movements and prevented her from leaving. The victim reportedly escaped, pulled a fire alarm and was later treated for some injuries.

After her arrest, Watkins secured release on a $30,000 personal recognizance bond, casting a shadow over her upcoming season.

Since the incident, Watkins has been suspended from the team and did not accompany her teammates on their visit to the White House in early September. Despite this suspension, she reportedly received permission to travel outside the state for games and practices. However, sources note that any female athlete arrested typically remains banned from college activities, raising questions about the future of her participation on the field.

After receiving a personal recognizance bond, Ashlyn Watkins prepared for her first court date, scheduled for October 25. However, the court postponed the hearing after the original plan fell through and a new date has not yet been set. Because Watkins has hired an attorney, she can skip the initial hearing, but the delayed process postpones the update of her case, potentially impacting her role in South Carolina.

The team's head coach, Staley, has also not provided an update on Watkins' situation. Her last comment on the matter came on September 24, when she expressed uncertainty about what the season might hold for Watkins. “The status is still the same, nothing has moved yet and we won't move anything until their situation calms down a little… It's out of their control, out of our control.” South Carolina's head coach had explained.

This situation could pose a major challenge for Dawn Staley as she figures out her game plan for the season. With Ashlyn Watkins on her roster, Staley had a reliable player she could count on, especially after the team suffered departures like Kamilla Cardoso last year.

Ashlyn Watkins Contributions to the South Carolina Gamecocks

Ashlyn Watkins previously joined Staley's team in 2021 when she played for Cardinal Newman in high school. By choosing the Gamecocks over North Carolina, she had already demonstrated her willingness to shine for the team. Well, she definitely proved her worth in her freshman year. Despite having limited court time, she averaged 4.9 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 56.3% from the field.

While the 6-foot-10 forward didn't start any of her 32 games in her freshman season, Dawn Staley recognized her potential and increased her role the following year, just as South Carolina began an undefeated championship streak.

This time around, the Colombia native made 10 starts in her 38 appearances, averaging 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game while maintaining an impressive 55% shooting accuracy. She also made a name for herself on defense, recording 91 blocks – the most on the team last season.

This season was supposed to be her junior year, with the expectation that she would take over from last season's leading scorer, Kamilla Cardoso, who moved on to the WNBA. However, whether she will dress in garnet red and black remains uncertain.

With her next court date not yet scheduled, Coach Staley may have to pivot and make adjustments to cover her absence as South Carolina opens its NCAA season tonight against the Michigan Wolverines.