Sania Feagin Leads South Carolina to Final Four with Stellar Defense

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Sania Feagin, a senior forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks, played a pivotal role in her team’s success during the 2025 NCAA Tournament, helping secure a spot in the Final Four. The Gamecocks faced off against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight, and with just seconds left, Feagin’s defensive effort was critical in sealing a 68-65 victory.

In the final moments of the game, Feagin, who stands 6-foot-3, stretched her frame to effectively contest a crucial three-point attempt from Duke’s sharpshooter Ashlon Jackson, leading to an airball that sent the Legacy Arena into a frenzy. “It was a defining moment,” Feagin said, recalling the pressure of the situation. “I knew I had to step up.”

Feagin has been a stalwart for the Gamecocks since joining the team in 2021. Over her four-year career, she has played in 134 games, starting 41 and averaging 5.6 points, 0.8 blocks, and 3.2 rebounds per game on an impressive 58.3% shooting efficiency. She’s helped lead South Carolina to two national championships, three Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular-season titles, and two SEC tournament victories.

This current season, Feagin has taken her performance to another level, averaging 8.1 points and 4.6 rebounds while being a dependable defensive anchor. Her contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she was named to the SEC All-Defensive team and received accolades for being part of the NCAA All-Region squad.

Feagin’s success on the court can be attributed to her strong basketball lineage. Her parents, Sherri and Charles Feagin, both were former college players, instilling a deep love for the game in their daughter. “They taught me the importance of hard work and dedication,” Feagin said. “Being around basketball from such a young age molded me into the player I am today.”

Outside her statistics, Feagin is celebrated for her leadership qualities and her ability to elevate her teammates’ performances. Coach Dawn Staley praised Feagin for her growth over the years. “When she’s locked in, she contributes on both ends of the court. Her commitment to getting better has really shone this season,” Staley said.

Feagin’s performance against Ole Miss this season exemplified her capabilities, as she achieved a career-high of 22 points along with five blocks. This came after she was often underutilized in her earlier years, having played limited minutes during prior championship runs.

Beyond her contributions to South Carolina’s success, Feagin’s rising profile in collegiate sports has led her to sign several Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, including partnerships with the South Carolina Watermelon Association and McDonald’s. “It’s exciting to be able to represent brands that align with my values and support local communities,” she remarked.

As the Gamecocks prepare for their next challenge in the Final Four, Feagin is focused on maintaining her team’s momentum. “We’ve worked hard to get here, and we want to continue making our mark,” she said. With her skills and determination, there’s no doubt that Sania Feagin will be a key player to watch as the tournament unfolds.