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South Carolina's quest to reach a third consecutive NCAA National Championship final just got a little more challenging after the program announced that it is set to be without one of its star players.
The Gamecocks women's team announced on Monday that Chloe Kitts has suffered a season-ending torn ACL in her right knee.
The forward is set to have surgery to repair the tear later this week, less than a month before South Carolina begins its season on November 3.
The injury occurred during a recent team practice, according to a spokesperson for the program.
'Thank you for everyone who has reached out with love and support,' Kitts posted Monday on X. 'I recently suffered a torn ACL and, unfortunately, will be out for the season.
'While this isn't how I hoped my season would go, I'm trusting God's timing and purpose. I'll continue to lead, support and push my teammates from the sidelines. We have big things ahead!'
South Carolina star Chloe Kitts has suffered an ACL tear ahead of the new college season
The forward is set to have surgery later this week after sustaining the injury in practice
A two-year starter for the Gamecocks, Kitts was last year's Southeastern Conference Tournament MVP and NCAA Binghamton Regionals MVP.
Starting 38 games last season, Kitts averaged 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds and helped lead the Gamecocks to the March Madness final, where they ultimately fell to UConn, 82-59.
She also was a key contributor on South Carolina's 2024 national championship winning team - putting up an 11 point, 10 rebound double-double in just 17 minutes of game time in their victory over Caitlin Clark and Iowa.
'We hate this first for Chloe, who has worked incredibly hard to become the best version of herself on the court this season,' coach Staley said in a statement.
'Her teammates are capable of stepping up, and I know that her competitive fire and tenacity will be felt from the sidelines as she pours what she can into them to ensure our team's success.'
As a senior, it is unclear if Kitts intends to seek a medical redshirt and return to the Gamecocks next season. She was projected to be a high pick in next year's WNBA draft.
South Carolina has been the heavy favorite heading into the new season, just ahead of reigning champions, UConn.
However, the program has suffered a double blow ahead of the new campaign with the Gamecocks' also set to be without Ashlyn Watkins.
Watkins also tore her ACL in January and announced earlier this year that she was taking an entire year off from school and basketball.
A two-year starter, Kitts was last year's Southeastern Conference Tournament MVP
Starting 38 games last season, Kitts averaged 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds for the Gamecocks
The senior had been expected to be a high pick in next year's WNBA Draft
Kitts, who boasts 269,000 followers on Instagram, went viral at the NBA Draft earlier this year when she stole the show.
With the ninth-overall selection in the draft this year, the Toronto Raptors selected South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles.
As the cameras panned back to his table, he stood up to hug his family and his glamorous girlfriend, Kitts.
Her NBA-bound boyfriend, Murray-Boyles averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in his final year of college.
The 6-foot-7 forward earned second-team All-SEC honors in his sophomore year and made the SEC All-Freshman Team in his first year of college.
