(Editor’s note: This story has been updated with new information.)
South Carolina is no stranger to the Final Four.
Neither is Chloe Kitts.
And a fifth consecutive trip to the Final Four proves it for Kitts and the Gamecocks. But the 2025 version is, perhaps, a little more special for the Kitts family, who hails from nearby Oviedo, Florida – roughly two hours east of Tampa, in the Orlando area.
South Carolina had little trouble with fellow No. 1 seed Texas, 74-57, in the national semifinal on Friday at Amalie Arena. Kitts had six points and three rebounds.
Kitts played high school ball at The Master’s Academy in Oviedo before transferring to DME Academy in Daytona Beach.
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Kitts’ parents, Jason and Krystle, made the relatively easy drive down to Tampa — perhaps, logistically, a little easier than making their way to South Carolina all the time, or anywhere the Gamecocks are playing.
“It’s nice to be able to close to where we live, and be able to drive and not fly. … Every game we’re in South Carolina. Whether it’s driving or flying, we try to make every game,” Jason Kitts said Friday before the national semifinals. “The way we operate, we know where we’re going to stay with the team hotel. We’re always planning for this moment. Regional – already handled. First round – already handled. And then we plan to be here (at the Final Four) every year.”
Entering the Final Four game against Texas, Kitts was averaging 10.4 points per game in 36 games along with a team-high 7.9 rebounds.
Kitts, in her junior season, was part of South Carolina’s 2024 national championship in Cleveland. Though she’s taken on a larger role with the Gamecocks this season in her third year with the program.
“Every year feels different. But it’s been a great experience watch her year to year, the progression,” Krystle Kitts said.
“Just her mindset, getting locked in,” Jason said of Kitts’ growth over her college years. “She’s a leader and she’s in situations to help her team daily. She embraces that opportunity.”
Jason said the weekend in Tampa is evident of one thing: Chloe Kitts went to South Carolina for a reason. Winning at such an elite level was one of them.
It’s exactly what Jason and Krystle imagined the day she made it official with the Gamecocks.
“Without a doubt. I got asked that question this morning,” Jason said before Friday’s game while mingling with other South Carolina parents in a suite. “We’re here for a reason. She came to South Carolina for a reason. We wanted this opportunity for her.”
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Did South Carolina star Chloe Kitts’ parents expect a Final Four? Dad: ‘Without a doubt’
Reporting by Ben Grieco, Pensacola News Journal / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
