![South Carolina star Kamilla Cardoso makes WNBA Draft announcement in middle of LSU vs Iowa game](https://i2-prod.themirror.com/incoming/article416894.ece/ALTERNATES/s98/1_GettyImages-2123601450.jpg)
star Kamilla Cardoso is taking her talents to the next level. On Monday, the 22-year-old announced she’d enter the 2024 WNBA Draft following the NCAA Tournament. Taking to
Instagram in the middle of the highly-anticipated matchup between No. 3-seed and No. 1-seed , issued a heartfelt thank you to all the people who helped her get to where she is today. “First, I want to thank God for blessing me with the ability to play basketball!” the post began. “I would like to take the time to thank my family for the sacrifice of letting a 14-year-old move across the world to chase her dreams and for their unconditional love and support. To my teammates, who I considered my sisters, this journey has been one that I will remember for the rest of my life. Together we did amazing things and grew a bond that no one could take from us. “To my coaches, your guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping me both as a player and person. I am forever grateful for the impact y'all have had on my life. To our fans, thank you for always believing in me and having my back since the day I became a Gamecock. “I am excited to announce that I am declaring for the 2024 WNBA Draft. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey so far. I am excited for what the future holds and can't wait to see where this next chapter takes me.” Cardoso’s departure to the WNBA has been brewing for some time. On the heels of South Carolina’s 88-41 win over in the second round of , the Brazilian phenom following what turned out to be her last home game at Colonial Life Arena. Then ahead of the Gamecocks’ 70-58 win over in the Elite Eight, head coach predicted Cardoso would like to leave South Carolina on a high-note. "I think she's enjoying this team, like really, really enjoying this team so much that I think it's her last days [as a Gamecock],” Staley told reporters. “I think, but she's enjoying it so much that she probably doesn't want to let go because she's having so much fun with this team. So whatever she decides, I'm going to be happy for her, ‘cause I know she's going to be a top pick. I know that her days, her better days, are ahead of her.” Many pundits project Cardoso to be selected with a top-10 pick in this year’s WNBA draft. The imposing center is averaging 15.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists over three games thus far in the NCAA Tournament. Cardoso will look to tie a bow around her incredible collegiate career by securing the national championship title with South Carolina. The Gamecocks will face off against NC State in the Final Four on Friday.