
🔥 “VALKYRIE STAR SHOWS MAJOR LOVE TO GAMECOCK TRIO AHEAD OF FIBA AMERICUP SHOWDOWN — Joyce Edwards, Ayla McDowell & Kamilla Cardoso Receive Surprise Shoutout from WNBA Valkyrie as Gamecocks Represent USA & Brazil on Global Stage 🇺🇸🇧🇷”
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COLUMBIA, S.C. (June 29, 2025) — As the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup tips off in Santiago, Chile, the spotlight intensifies not just on the competition—but on a powerful show of unity and recognition coming from the WNBA. Golden State Valkyries star Bree Hall has sent waves of praise to three standout members of the South Carolina Gamecocks family—Joyce Edwards, Ayla McDowell, and Kamilla Cardoso—who are donning national colors for Team USA and Brazil, symbolizing the global reach and impact of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program.
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🏀 Gamecock Trio Lights Up AmeriCup
Joyce Edwards, a sophomore phenom for the Gamecocks, earned a coveted spot on Team USA’s 12-player roster following standout performances at national trials . She’s already a decorated international competitor, having previously claimed gold at both the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup and the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup—earning MVP honors at each .
Kamilla Cardoso, who starred at South Carolina and now begins her WNBA journey with the Chicago Sky, is suiting up for Team Brazil. Cardoso, last seen shining with Brazil’s gold medal performance and MVP award at the 2023 AmeriCup, returns with her eyes set on another championship .
Ayla McDowell, an incoming Gamecock freshman and five-star recruit, joins Cardoso on the Brazilian squad. With prior U18 AmeriCup experience, McDowell is ready to step onto the senior international stage .
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🌟 Bree Hall’s Heartfelt Salute
The moment went viral when Bree Hall, currently with the Valkyries and a former standout at South Carolina, dropped an Instagram comment under the Gamecocks’ graphic:
> *“Oof I can’t root for just one soo… I’m rooting for both.”*
That simple yet powerful message—rooting for players across two nations, two teams, one alma mater—struck a chord.
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📣 Why This Matters Beyond the Court
Unity through shared heritage: Hall’s message bridges national allegiances, celebrating the Gamecocks’ presence on both Team USA and Brazil. It underscores the global spread of South Carolina talent as Hall, Edwards, McDowell, and Cardoso span continents together in Chile.
Mentorship and pride: Hall, who excelled at South Carolina and broke into the WNBA, embodies the aspirational path these players follow. Her support symbolizes the tight-knit Gamecock legacy, spanning college and professional levels.
A cultural moment: In an era where national and collegiate identities can feel fragmented, this show of solidarity offers a refreshing narrative—one where allegiance to your roots transcends borders.
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🎯 What to Watch in Santiago
Team USA: With Edwards in the lineup, expect a dominant offensive display and crucial plays during critical moments. Her FIBA experience makes her a key player to watch .
Team Brazil: Cardoso’s MVP credentials and McDowell’s rising star energy will aim to push Brazil deep into medal contention.
The AmeriCup format places the USA and Brazil in separate groups—USA in Group B, Brazil in Group A—meaning a potential showdown could occur as early as the quarterfinals .
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🏆 Looking Beyond the Games
Edwards: A rising force in women’s basketball, her continued international success builds on a stellar freshman season at South Carolina and a promising collegiate trajectory .
Cardoso: Already WNBA-signed and internationally decorated, she continues to build her legacy as a dominant center in both leagues .
McDowell: As she embarks on her freshman year and first senior international tournament, eyes will be on her performance and chemistry with Cardoso.
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🔚 Final Whistle
In a tournament spotlighting elite talent, this Gamecock trio transcends routine competition. They represent the global strength and unity of South Carolina’s program. With Bree Hall’s heartfelt shout-out, it becomes crystal clear: they’re not just teammates—they’re family.
**As the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup unfolds, the world will watch—watching them, watching Gamecock pride, and watching this incredible sisterhood shine on the international stage.**
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