Trailblazing Madina Okot stakes up WNBA ambition with USC switch

After a period of intense prayer, personal reflection, and weighing her options, Madina Okot made a pivotal decision to transfer from Mississippi State to the University of South Carolina, a program renowned for its excellence in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women's basketball and its commitment to cultivating champions.

For Madina, this transition was not merely about the sport she loves; it represented her pursuit of personal growth, a deep sense of purpose, and the alignment with a program that resonates with her championship aspirations.

“I am so proud of myself. It has not been easy at all,” she expressed, her voice tinged with emotion as she recounted the profound spiritual and emotional journey that led her to enter the transfer portal.

 “I want to start by giving glory to God for making things unfold for me. The decision to enter the portal required significant contemplation.

“After evaluating my circumstances and praying for guidance, I felt compelled to make that leap,” she shared. “I asked for divine direction, hoping to land on a team with a stellar legacy of competing for titles.”

In South Carolina, she found precisely that—a program that recently made its third NCAA championship appearance in a span of five years. Despite falling to the formidable UConn in the 2025 title game, the Gamecocks have established themselves as a dominant force in women’s basketball, characterized by a coaching staff whose philosophy aligns seamlessly with Madina’s dynamic style of play.

“My transfer will expose me to heightened competition and present new academic opportunities,” she remarked, highlighting her excitement for the challenges ahead.

Standing tall at 6-foot-6, Madina brings invaluable height and a formidable defensive presence to the Gamecocks' frontcourt. Last season, the team faced significant adversity with the season-ending injury of key player Ashlyn Watkins, a loss that was acutely felt during the national championship game. With this transfer, Coach Dawn Staley gains a player who fits perfectly into her strategic framework, one that emphasizes early ball distribution to the bigs and building offensive plays from the paint out—an approach that Madina is eager to embrace and develop.

> “On an individual level, I am dedicated to enhancing my performance while making meaningful contributions both on and off the court,” she asserted with conviction. “I also aim to help the team secure championships while fostering strong relationships with my coaches and teammates.”

Madina’s remarkable journey from her roots in Kenya to the high-stakes environment of NCAA basketball, and now from Mississippi to South Carolina, has imparted invaluable lessons beyond the basketball court.

“Navigating the transition from Kenya to the NCAA, as well as switching programs, has taught me the importance of remaining open-minded, adapting swiftly to new environments, appreciating diverse cultural perspectives, and communicating effectively in unfamiliar situations,” she reflected thoughtfully.

Now, as she embarks on this exciting new chapter, Madina Okot steps into a pivotal role filled with both challenges and opportunities. Armed with her unwavering faith, strong work ethic, and the bolstering culture of success at South Carolina, the upcoming season holds the potential to be her most transformative yet—one that could redefine her trajectory, both as an athlete and as an individual.