BREAKING NEWS: NCAA 5-star Kamila Cardozo has earned several prestigious award’s during the 2024-2025 season. These accolades reflect Cardoso’s exceptional contribution and leadership throughout the season….

BREAKING NEWS: NCAA 5-star Kamila Cardoso has earned several prestigious awards during the 2024-2025 season. These accolades reflect Cardoso’s exceptional contribution and leadership throughout the season, marking a career-defining year for the standout South Carolina women’s basketball player.

Cardoso, a force in the paint both offensively and defensively, has continued to rise to the top of the women’s college basketball scene. As a senior, she has been an integral part of South Carolina’s success, culminating in her recognition as one of the nation’s most outstanding players. Her incredible impact on both ends of the court has garnered her numerous individual honors, highlighting her hard work, consistency, and leadership.

One of her most significant awards came when she was named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player after leading the South Carolina Gamecocks to the national championship. Cardoso’s dominant performances in the tournament, particularly in the Final Four, were pivotal in the team’s run to the title, making her the clear choice for this prestigious honor. Her ability to control the game, whether it was with her scoring or her unmatched shot-blocking ability, was on full display as South Carolina secured its place in the championship history books.

Along with her tournament success, Cardoso was named the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) NCAA Division I Defensive Player of the Year. This award is given to the top defender in college basketball, and Cardoso’s ability to protect the rim, block shots, and disrupt offensive plays was nothing short of stellar. This marked a historic moment for South Carolina, as she became the first player from the program to ever win the prestigious defensive award. Her impact on defense all season long made her a key reason why South Carolina was one of the most feared defensive teams in the nation.

Cardoso’s outstanding performances did not go unnoticed by the Southeastern Conference (SEC), as she was also selected for the First-Team All-SEC honors. This recognition solidified her place as one of the best players in the most competitive conference in women’s college basketball. Her ability to dominate at both ends of the floor, combined with her leadership and poise in high-pressure situations, made her an obvious choice for this distinguished honor.

In addition to First-Team All-SEC, Cardoso’s dominance on the defensive end was recognized with the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award. This accolade, which is awarded annually to the top defender in the conference, was another testament to Cardoso’s game-changing abilities. Whether it was blocking shots, grabbing rebounds, or altering opponents’ offensive flow, she was the backbone of South Carolina’s elite defense all season long.

Cardoso’s impressive season was further underscored by her being a finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award and the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Award. Both of these honors recognize the best players in college basketball, and being nominated for such prestigious awards speaks to Cardoso’s overall excellence and status as one of the best players in the nation.

Throughout the 2024-2025 season, Cardoso’s game only continued to evolve. She showed the ability to dominate in the low post, consistently drawing defenders and either finishing at the rim or finding open teammates. Her vision and basketball IQ were unparalleled, allowing her to be a dual threat as both a scorer and a playmaker. Her impressive stat lines and consistent performances kept South Carolina near the top of the rankings all season long, and her leadership on and off the court inspired her teammates to elevate their play to new heights.

In addition to her individual awards, Cardoso’s influence was critical in South Carolina’s pursuit of the national title. Her play not only made her one of the top candidates for player of the year honors but also served as a key catalyst for South Carolina’s sustained success throughout the season. The Gamecocks were a dominant force, with Cardoso’s presence in the middle making them a formidable opponent to every team they faced.

Her journey to this point