South Carolina women’s basketball has made a high-profile addition to its roster, officially announcing the commitment of Alicia Tournebize, a highly regarded forward from France, who will be immediately eligible to compete for the Gamecocks. This move brings international experience, athleticism, and depth to South Carolina’s lineup as the program looks to build on its competitive legacy in the SEC and nationwide.
Tournebize, a 6-foot-4 forward from Vichy, France, has impressed scouts and coaches with her combination of size, skill, and versatility. She averaged 12.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists at the 2025 U18 EuroBasket Tournament, showcasing her ability to impact games both on the offensive and defensive ends. Her performance at the tournament highlighted her rebounding prowess, scoring ability, and court vision, earning her recognition as one of Europe’s top young prospects.
In addition to her international experience, Tournebize has played professionally with Tango Bourges Basket in France, further honing her skills against elite competition. She has also made headlines for her athleticism, becoming the first French woman to dunk in a competitive game—a feat that underscores her unique combination of height, strength, and agility. These attributes make her a dynamic addition for South Carolina, providing multiple options in the frontcourt.
Tournebize visited South Carolina in November, attending a football game and a women’s basketball contest, which gave her a first-hand look at the program, campus, and coaching staff. Her decision to join the Gamecocks over other notable programs, including Kentucky, reflects both her desire to compete at the highest level of college basketball and the strength of South Carolina’s program under head coach Dawn Staley.
The immediate eligibility of Tournebize adds another layer of flexibility for Staley and her staff, allowing them to integrate her into the rotation without delay. Her presence will provide depth in the forward positions, giving the team more options for rebounding, scoring, and defensive matchups. Analysts believe her skill set complements South Carolina’s style of play, particularly in transition and inside scoring, making her a potential game-changer in the SEC.
For South Carolina, the addition of a player of Tournebize’s caliber continues the program’s tradition of attracting elite talent, both domestically and internationally. With her arrival, the Gamecocks are poised to strengthen their frontcourt for the current season and beyond, while also setting an example for future international recruits looking at the SEC as a premier destination for women’s basketball.
As the team prepares for upcoming games, fans will be eager to see Tournebize make her debut and begin contributing immediately. Her arrival signals not just a boost in talent but also an exciting international flavor to a program already known for developing elite players and competing at the national level.
