South Carolina Star Ashlyn Watkins Rejoins Team After Assault and Kidnapping Charges Dismissed

South Carolina women’s basketball star Ashlyn Watkins has had the assault and kidnapping charges against her dismissed, according to court records from the Richland County (S.C.) Fifth Judicial Circuit. Watkins, a 21-year-old junior forward for the Gamecocks, was arrested on August 31 following an incident at a student housing center where she allegedly assaulted a victim by forcefully grabbing her face, pulling her by her arms, and pushing her, as well as controlling her movement by forcing her to walk down the hall.

The charges were dismissed after Watkins completed a pre-trial intervention program, which is designed for first-time offenders and includes community service, restitution to the victim, and participation in individual and group counseling.

Following her arrest, Watkins was suspended from all team activities. She did not participate in the team’s celebratory trip to the White House in September to honor their 2024 national championship and missed the Gamecocks’ first game of the season against Michigan. However, with the charges dismissed, Watkins has resumed team activities, starting with practice on Wednesday.

Watkins is a key player for the Gamecocks, having averaged 9.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks last season on 55.0% shooting from the field. She also made history by recording the first two dunks in the program’s history. Her return is significant as the team prepares to face No. 9 North Carolina State in their next game.