Losing MiLaysia Fulwiley threw a big wrench in Dawn Staley’s planning. “Dawn-asty,” they had said in 2024. “I know we’re building an empire.” But here she was, void of what was supposed to be a second consecutive ring, 3 stars lost to the draft, and 2, crucial to her winning formula, pulling away. Fulwiley had been their spark on offense, a ray of light when Staley looked for stability. But when it was all said and done, it wasn’t just her looking up with an injured heart.

More than a few hearts broke when the Gamecocks were hunting in-coming transfers, but were met with: “After thoughtful consideration, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal.” Fulwiley had been a key piece on Staley’s roster, albeit coming off the bench. She was their second-best scorer (11.7 ppg) and the 2024 Sixth Player of the Year. But losing her meant a lot more than that for the Gamecocks. South Carolina lost more than a player, they lost a hometown hero.

And as expected, emotions ran high after Fulwiley committed to LSU for the upcoming season. Fans threw flames at Staley for letting her slip out of hand. The complaints were focused on one key stat: Fulwiley only started 3 out of 77 games. There’s a reason the spectators got all fired up.

The Greenville News reporter Lulu Kesin got candid about her experience breaking the story of Fulwiley’s departure, and what it meant to her family on South Carolina Sideline. “It broke my mom’s heart,” she said, putting into perspective how jarring this loss truly was. For Kesin’s mother, and many others like her, MiLaysia Fulwiley was one of her favorite players of all time.

Kesin was rapid in her deployment of this news, but obviously, it was not easy. “You see the effect these players have on fans.” The reporter said. “It’s hard to be the one that obviously is like, ‘They’re leaving,’ but at the same time, that is my job, and not reporting that when I found the information would have been not doing my job.” 

Fulwiley was a hero even before she joined the Gamecocks. A W.J. Keenan High alumna, she made history by winning four state titles in six seasons. History had its eyes on her, and she never failed to deliver! It almost seemed like the entire state was rooting for her success, crowding her AAU and High School games. Truth be told, she was what South Carolina needed. A hometown hero, born and raised in Columbia, leading her school to the national championship.

When it was time to make a decision for her college, she did not need to think twice. She loved her hometown, she loved Dawn Staley. There was never an easier answer. “Who wouldn’t want to learn from Coach Staley? She’s been through everything that I’m trying to go through, so that’s the greatest role model I could have,” she had exclaimed. The young guard had even choked up as she announced her commitment. But just when Columbia dreamed of a storybook ending, fate had different plans.

This is a scene we are all too familiar with. Anessah Morrow left Chicago. Angel Reese left Maryland. But good future awaited them and hopefully, so it will for Fulwiley at Baton Rogue. The electrifying guard took the college basketball world by storm these past couple of years, and looks to do so again! But before her career at LSU could start, her chapter at South Carolina had to finish. So what exactly were Fulwiley’s departing words?

MiLaysia Fulwiley thanked her ‘village’ in heartfelt goodbye

It takes a village to raise a child, or so the saying goes. For MiLaysia Fulwiley, she had the entirety of South Carolina behind her from day one. As she put up over 2000 points and averaged 8.8 rebounds, the city watched in awe and with pride.

So as Kesin reported her departure, Fulwiley took to Instagram to pen her parting note. “I want to begin by thanking my hometown of Columbia, South Carolina,” she said. “Without my village, I wouldn’t be where I am today, chasing my dreams. Thank you to Coach Staley, the entire South Carolina staff, and my teammates for the unforgettable memories we’ve created together.” 

MiLaysia Fulwiley’s message on Instagram continued on, extending her gratitude towards her fans and supporters, before announcing that she would be entering the transfer portal. One thing is for certain–Kim Mulkey has conducted daylight robbery from right under Dawn Staley’s nose! The Tigers have gotten an elite scorer, defender, and facilitator all for the price of one.

It will be interesting to see how MiLaysia Fulwiley handles her first season away from South Carolina. After two successful season there, the acclimatization might take some time. However, there is no doubt that she will get back to doing what she does best… Hooping her heart out, and winning. Will she carve a better role for herself in LSU? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for all the action!