South Carolina Gamecocks forward Chloe Kitts had a special surprise for local hoopers. She stopped by Gray Collegiate Academy to drop off an early Christmas present for the players, coaches and school administrators.
Everyone got their own pair of the popular VKTRY Insoles, hand-delivered by the national champion. The young players were shocked as Kitts walked through the door, with some expressing their disbelief that she could actually be there. The surprise was expertly set up.
"We asked a local athlete that wears VKTRY Insoles to come. Chloe, is she going to be here soon?"
"Heeey!" Kitts said as she walked in.
You can watch the heartwarming moment below.
Chloe Kitts has transformed her game this season
Chloe Kitts has emerged as a standout player for the South Carolina Gamecocks this season, averaging 11.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Her impressive transformation comes after a rigorous summer of training, where she focused on building strength and confidence.
"I lift weights daily, even on game days. That focused effort has proved pivotal for me, and I intend to keep going," Kitts shared, reflecting on her journey.
Her offseason included gaining nearly 15 pounds of muscle and embracing a more holistic approach to performance.
"After last season, I lost around 18 pounds, and I realized I had to adapt my approach," she explained. "I started lifting weights beforehand, as that’s what I noticed professionals do. Alongside Jeremy Ford, our dietician, and Molly [Binetti], I understood that nutrition is key to performance."
While still navigating the challenges of a high-level collegiate career, the junior from Florida remains focused on continual improvement.
"When I see the results of my hard work in games, it motivates me to keep pushing myself further."
As her dedication pays off, Chloe Kitts is proving to be a cornerstone for her team’s success. Although the Gamecocks went down to No. 5 UCLA on Sunday, Nov. 24, the defending champions have made a strong start to their season, winning their first four games in a row.
Under the experienced hand of head coach Dawn Staley, Kitts and the South Carolina squad are sure to be in the mix when it comes to the end-of-season championship race. And you can be sure that if they are to be toppled again, it will need to be by a very special team.
Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey - who is NCAAW's highest-paid coach? Find out here