The Rise of Kennedy Smith: Sophomore Season, Bigger Stage
Before Kennedy Smith ever put on a USC jersey, she was already one of the most complete players in the country — a 6-foot guard-forward out of Etiwanda High School, ranked No. 6 nationally in her class.
A two-time CIF Open Division State Champion, California Ms. Basketball, McDonald’s All-American, and Gatorade State Player of the Year, Smith entered college basketball with a reputation built on consistency, defense, and leadership.
At Etiwanda, Kennedy wasn’t just a scorer — she was a stabilizer. Her ability to guard multiple positions, rebound in traffic, and lead her team through pressure moments made her one of the most respected competitors in the nation.
Summer 2025: Gold with Team USA
After a strong freshman season at USC, Kennedy earned a spot on Team USA’s 2025 Women’s AmeriCup roster, competing in Santiago, Chile. Playing alongside top college stars and professionals, she showcased the same traits that have defined her game since high school — discipline, toughness, and team-first play.
Her defensive presence and rebounding helped Team USA capture gold, solidifying her status as one of the most versatile young players in the country.
Year 1 → Year 2: The Trojan Evolution
During USC’s first season in the Big Ten (2024–25), Kennedy quickly proved she belonged. She brought energy, composure, and physicality — the kind of presence that doesn’t always show up in a box score but always shifts momentum.
Playing alongside JuJu Watkins, she became a quiet enforcer on defense, taking on tough assignments and excelling in Gottlieb’s system built on switching, pace, and discipline.
Now, heading into her sophomore season, Kennedy steps into a team that’s deeper, faster, and more balanced than ever. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb reloaded the backcourt with:
Kara Dunn, a confident and efficient scorer from Georgia Tech
Jazzy Davidson, the No. 1 high-school recruit in the nation, adding size, versatility, and IQ
Londynn Jones, a quick, skilled transfer guard from UCLA who brings tempo and Big Game experience
Malia Samuels, a returning sophomore floor general who could quietly become USC’s X-factor this season with her improved shooting, calm leadership, and court vision
Together with Kennedy and JuJu, this new guard core gives USC the rare combination of depth, defense, and dynamic playmaking — a blend that could define the program’s next leap forward.
Built for the Big Ten
Kennedy’s value lies in her adaptability. She can guard 1 through 4, rebound like a forward, and bring a calm, composed energy that anchors her team when things get chaotic.
With a year of Big Ten experience and a gold medal summer behind her, she’s poised to expand her offensive role — attacking off the dribble, spacing the floor, and setting the tone defensively.
Meanwhile, USC’s frontcourt remains a strength with Yakiya Milton, Big VIV, Gerda Raulusaitytė, and Dayana Mendez, providing athleticism and rim protection to complement the Trojans’ deep guard rotation.
This is a USC team built for long runs and tough games — and Kennedy Smith is right at the heart of it.
In Today’s Episode of Let’s Talk USC Women’s Basketball
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Kennedy Smith for a fun 18-minute conversation about her growth from freshman to sophomore year, her gold-medal summer with Team USA, and what to expect from this reloaded Trojan roster as they enter their second Big Ten seaso
