Chloe Kitts’ ACL Injury Derailed Her Dreams—But She’s Not Giving Up Without a Fight.
6-minute read
Chloe Kitts had it all mapped out. By 2026, she envisioned herself leading the South Carolina Gamecocks on an unforgettable March Madness journey, capping off her senior year with a first-round WNBA Draft pick and launching her professional basketball career in style. But here’s where it gets controversial: life had other plans. In October 2025, a scrimmage before her senior season took a devastating turn when she tore her ACL. ‘I heard the pop and just knew,’ she told Women’s Health. ‘It was like my world stopped.’
And this is the part most people miss: instead of letting this setback define her, Chloe is rewriting her story. ‘I’m staying in college for another year,’ she declares, silencing rumors about her WNBA aspirations. ‘I still have something to prove.’
The Road to Redemption
Accepting her injury and the subsequent knee surgery took Chloe nearly a month. ‘I felt helpless,’ she admits. ‘Not being able to walk, let alone play, was crushing.’ Missing the WNBA training camp in the spring was a tough pill to swallow, but her teammates became her lifeline. They surprised her with a gift basket filled with Lego flowers, snacks, candles, and heartfelt messages. Her roommate, Tessa Johnson, helped her with daily tasks, while Adhel Tac kept her apartment tidy. ‘We’re more than a team—we’re family,’ Chloe reflects.
She quickly shifted her mindset, choosing to celebrate small victories like walking without crutches. ‘Now I’m jumping again, and I can’t wait to run,’ she says with a smile. Her recovery is a relentless journey; while her teammates practice, Chloe is in the training room, rehabbing and lifting. She even travels to away games, embracing a leadership role from the sidelines. ‘Sitting out has given me a new perspective,’ she explains. ‘The game slows down in my mind, and I see plays I never noticed before.’
A Basketball Legacy in the Making
Chloe’s love for basketball began with her dad, Jason, who played in an adult league. She and her younger sister, Kylee (now at Ohio State), would tag along to his games. ‘We’d run around the sidelines, and that’s how I fell in love with the sport,’ she recalls. Growing up in Seattle, she idolized the Storm and dreamed of going pro. ‘I used to say I’d be the first woman in the NBA,’ she laughs.
A five-star recruit, Chloe received offers from powerhouse programs like Duke, Louisville, and N.C. State. But it was South Carolina’s Head Coach Dawn Staley who sealed the deal. ‘She’s not just a coach—she’s a mentor,’ Chloe says. ‘She’s achieved everything I aspire to, and I knew this was where I belonged.’
One piece of advice from Coach Staley has stuck with her: ‘Turn the page.’ Whether it’s bouncing back from a rough game or rehabbing her knee, Chloe focuses on moving forward. ‘I’m not dwelling on the past,’ she says.
The Mental Game: A Hidden Battleground
Chloe’s time off the court has allowed her to tackle the mental side of basketball, an area she admits she struggled with early in her college career. ‘I’d get so nervous before games,’ she shares. ‘My palms would sweat, and I couldn’t settle in.’ Coach Staley encouraged her to see a sports psychiatrist, and the tools she gained—like journaling, deep breathing, and even coloring—have been game-changers. ‘I’ve learned to balance basketball with other interests,’ she says. ‘Pilates, walks, and discovering who I am beyond the court have been transformative.’
By her junior year, the results were undeniable. She set SEC Tournament scoring records and led her team through March Madness. Her mental toughness shone in the Elite Eight against Duke, where she sank two crucial free throws. ‘Coach chose me for a reason,’ she told herself. ‘I’m good at this.’
Now, Chloe continues to prioritize her mental health, seeing a therapist regularly. ‘It’s helped me understand my emotions better,’ she says. ‘And my teammates are always there to lift me up.’
Leveling Up, On and Off the Court
Chloe credits her dedication to Pilates and strength training for her speedy recovery. ‘I’m three months ahead of schedule,’ she says confidently. ‘I’ll be ready for next season.’ Her motivation? ‘I want to play in the WNBA. This time away has made me realize how much I love the game. I’ll never take it for granted again.’
The camaraderie on Coach Staley’s team makes the journey even sweeter. ‘We have so much fun together,’ Chloe says. ‘When it’s time to be serious, we are, but we also know how to laugh.’
Her decision to stay at South Carolina was a no-brainer. ‘I want to be here with my team, playing for Coach one more year,’ she says. ‘I know this extra time will make me better.’
Chloe’s revised vision includes leading South Carolina to a National Championship, but it’s also about personal growth. ‘I’m more than a basketball player,’ she asserts. ‘I’m Chloe.’
Thought-Provoking Question: Is taking a year off after a major injury a setback or an opportunity for growth? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
Amanda Lucci is the director of special projects at Women’s Health, overseeing multi-platform brand initiatives and social media strategy. She leads the sports and athletes vertical, covering major events like the Paris Olympics and WNBA Finals. With nearly 15 years of experience in writing, editing, and social media management, Amanda is also a NASM-certified personal trainer. A proud Pittsburgh native, she graduated from Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Follow her on Instagram @alucci.
