Bradlee Baladez — Sophomore, Men's Soccer
As a freshman last year, Baladez started every game and scored six goals alternating between the midfield and forward positions. Baladez also notched five game-winners last season, tied for a Conference USA best. He scored three of those winners within the span of a month. Baladez's most notable game-winner came in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, when he scored a golden goal in extra time against Duke. Baladez will have to continue his top form, as the Gamecocks are scheduled to play four teams that finished in the Top 25 last season and eight that advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
Kayla Grimsley — Senior, Women's Soccer
After leading the Gamecocks to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season, Grimsley returns as the team's leading scorer. The forward notched 12 goals and 10 assists for South Carolina in 2010. Combined, the goals and assists counted for 34 points, tying the school single-season record as Grimsley became the first USC player to be named SEC Offensive Player of the Year. The National Soccer Coaches Association of America also named her an All-American. Grimsley has been dominant since arriving on campus in 2008, scoring eight goals in her freshman season and 13 in her sophomore year.
Michael Flach — Junior, Swimming
The men's swimming and diving team went 10-1 last season, a record that tied for its best season ever. Flach, a big contributor to that success, returns to the pool to help the Gamecocks make more waves on the national scene. Flach enters his junior season after back-to-back seasons in which he was the top swimmer for South Carolina. Flach's best event has been the 500 freestyle. He was named an All-American in the event last season and finished 15th in the 500 freestyle at the National Championships. Two seasons ago, he earned a bronze medal at the SEC Championships for the event. During his first season with USC, Flach was named the SEC Freshman of the Week four times, which was the most of any athlete in the conference.
Johnna Letchworth — Redshirt Sophomore, Equestrian
South Carolina has always had a successful equestrian program, and last season Letchworth was a large part of that success. After redshirting the 2009-10 season, she had a breakout season last year, finishing with a final record of 15-2-1. Led by veteran coach Boo Major, Letchworth earned four MVPs last year, and because of her outstanding record, Letchworth was named to the inaugural Varsity Equestrian All-American in Horsemanship.
Dijana Stojic — Senior, Women's Tennis
In the fall, collegiate tennis teams focus more on individual than team results, and one of the athletes looking to get off to a good start is Dijana Stojic. Last fall, the senior from Croatia posted a 21-10 overall record in singles play last season. She also collected the most SEC wins of any Gamecock, going 15-7 in the No. 2 slot. Since arriving at USC in 2008, Stojic has played a large role in making history for the program. In her freshman season, South Carolina made it to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, the farthest it has ever gone. In her sophomore year, she helped USC advance to the semifinals of the SEC Tournament for the first time since 2002.
Malik Cooke — Redshirt Senior, Men's Basketball
Last season was Cooke's second with the South Carolina basketball team but the first that he was allowed to play, as Cooke had to sit out a season after transferring from Nevada. Cooke will be one of the Gamecocks' leaders, as he is the only senior on the roster. South Carolina has had a tumultuous off-season, as it saw two players graduate, three more transfer and the starting point guard and leading scorer, Bruce Ellington, decide to play football. Cooke is one of the likely candidate to help fill the void Ellington's absence will create early in the season.
Ieasia Walker — Junior, Women's Basketball
Walker might not be the most experienced player on the roster, but she might be the most valuable. As a sophomore, Walker led the Gamecocks in scoring with 12.2 points per game. She played in every game, starting all but two. Walker was also a force to be reckoned with on the defensive side of the ball, finishing the season with 79 steals, the third most in the SEC. Walker put up big numbers last year, reaching the 20-point mark in four games. One of her best games came against rival Clemson last November, when Walker put up 30 points.