South Carolina junior forward Chloe Kitts will return to action this week after missing Sunday’s game against N.C. State for what the Gamecocks announced as an “academic policy issue.”
Head coach Dawn Staley confirmed after 71-57 USC win it would be a one-game absence for Kitts and that she would be available when the Gamecocks play their home opener Thursday against Coppin State.
The 6-foot-2 junior had posted team highs with 19 points and 14 rebounds in the season opener against Michigan after being a key member of the rotation for last year’s national title team.
Freshman Joyce Edwards started in Kitts’ place Sunday. Edwards finished with eight points and five rebounds, but had eight turnovers.
South Carolina issued this statement from Staley about Kitts shortly before Sundays tip: “We’re disappointed that Chloe has to sit out the game today due to an academic policy issue.
“Chloe has shown tremendous growth both academically and athletically over the offseason, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in every aspect. While she’s unable to play today, we’re incredibly proud of her progress.”
