The National Collegiate Athletic Association has denied the season of competition waiver submitted by South Carolina for senior basketball player Madina Okot, confirming on April 8 that she has exhausted her collegiate eligibility.
This decision means Okot will not return to play for the Gamecocks. Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter for both her and the team.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said, “Early in her basketball career, Madina made courageous choices not just to pursue just the sport, but also to better her life. Her path included just a short time with us in Columbia, but we are grateful to be part of her story. She made our team and our sport better.”
Okot played only two seasons in the NCAA but quickly became one of its top centers. During this season, she ranked third nationally with 22 double-doubles, was 16th in rebounding average at 10.6 per game, and placed 19th in field goal percentage at .575. She earned All-SEC Second Team honors and led South Carolina in rebounds during 29 out of her 39 games played. In program history, she ranks second for offensive rebounds (149), third for total rebounds (412) and defensive rebounds (263), and fifth-most double-doubles in a single season with 22.
The Gamecocks finished their season ranked No. 2 nationally with a record of 36-4 and secured their fifth consecutive Southeastern Conference regular-season championship. Under Staley’s leadership, they advanced to the NCAA Final Four for the sixth straight year.
Fans can find further updates about South Carolina women’s basketball on GamecocksOnline.com or through official team social media accounts.
