“Winner, warrior, joyous human being”: HC Lindsay Gottlieb heaps praise for JuJu Watkins’ USC teammate on her special day

USC Trojans' Lindsay Gottlieb shared her birthday greetings to sophomore guard Aaliyah Gayles on Monday. The coach shared the special post from the Trojans' Instagram account to her story and wrote:

“Winner, warrior, joyous human being, hooper and amazing teammate. May this year be your best."

Lindsay Gottlieb's message to Gayles (Credits: Instagram/@coachlindsayg)

Aaliyah Gayles' debut with the Trojans was delayed by a year after the guard was shot multiple times in her arms and legs at a house party in April 2022. She lost her ability to walk, and there were doubts about her returning to play basketball.

Gayles had committed to former USC coach Mark Trakh, but after his retirement, the guard reopened her recruitment. However, Lindsay Gottlieb was determined to sign her back after her appointment as Trakh's replacement in May 2021.

"We were all-in on her at that point," Gottlieb said (via ESPN). "I was feeling a connection to the kid. She's our kid."

The accident threw a curveball in her plans, but Gottlieb didn't give up and promised to bring Aaliyah Gayles to USC, even if it meant just for her studies. However, Gayles persevered with her rehabilitation and suited up for her freshman season in November 2023.

"This journey has been the hardest battle of my life," Aaliyah said when she received the CalHOPE Courage Award in November 2024. "There were days when the pain and fear felt overwhelming, but basketball was my motivation to keep pushing.

"Every step I took was about getting back to the game I love. I leaned on my family, coaches, and teammates, who lifted me up when I needed it most. Their belief in me, along with my passion for basketball, helped me overcome every obstacle."

Last season, as USC advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in 30 years, Aaliyah Gayles was making her mark, playing an average of 5.2 minutes in 11 games. This season she's averaging 6.3 in six games and has 1.4 points, 0.9 rebounds, 0.4 assists and 0.4 steals per contest.

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Lindsay Gottlieb's USC Trojans extend victory run

After the 74-61 loss to Notre Dame in December, Lindsay Gottlieb's USC Trojans are on a 12-game winning streak. With a 16-1 overall record, the Trojans occupy the first spot in the Big Ten conference standings.

USC's Wednesday tip-off against Northwestern has been postponed due to the first in LA. They will next face Indiana on Sunday.