Joyce Edwards Gives a Sneak Peek at the Future of South Carolina Women’s Basketball…..

Tac’s journey to South Carolina is a testament to her resilience and ambition. Born in Dallas, Texas, to South Sudanese parents, she grew up in a household that prioritized education and discipline, values that translated seamlessly to the basketball court. By the time she reached high school, Tac had already begun turning heads with her ability to dominate games on both ends of the floor. At Duncanville High, a breeding ground for Division I talent, she honed her craft under the tutelage of coaches who emphasized versatility. Unlike many players her size, Tac refused to be pigeonholed as a traditional post player. She developed a reliable mid-range jumper, learned to handle the ball in transition, and studied film to perfect her timing as a shot-blocker. By her senior year, she averaged a double-double—18 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks per game—while leading her team to a state championship. Her performances earned her McDonald’s All-American honors and a ranking among the top five recruits in the nation. But for Tac, the accolades were never the end goal. “I wanted to go somewhere I could grow, not just as a player but as a leader,” she said in an interview shortly after committing to South Carolina. “Coach Staley’s program teaches you how to win, but it also teaches you how to carry yourself like a champion.”

Tac is a revelation on defense. Her ability to communicate defensive rotations, recover to battle shots at the rim, and switch onto guards on the perimeter has immediately increased the team’s scrimmage intensity. Tac’s arrival guarantees that South Carolina, which has led the country in defensive efficiency for three straight seasons, may maintain its lead. Her skill in the post and ability to find cutters with precise passes indicate that she will be more than just a finisher on offense, even though she is still honing her three-point shooting. Senior guard Te-Hina Paopao remarked, “She watches the gam.