South Carolina standout re-signs with WNBA team that previously waived her

Laeticia Amihere looked awesome in training camp with the Golden State Valkyries. The former South Carolina standout exploded for 20 points in a preseason game against the Los Angeles Sparks, and looked like she could emerge as a major contributor for the WNBA’s newest franchise.

Then, she was waived.

On Sunday, the 23-year-old Canadian forward re-signed with the Valkyries, getting another chance to demonstrate the impact she can make in the WNBA.

Amihere, who was drafted 8th overall in 2023 by the Atlanta Dream, appeared in 21 games in her rookie season but was waived in February, ahead of training camp. She spent training camp with the Valkyries but was subsequently waived once again, ahead of the season’s inception.

Amihere spent her last season overseas playing in the Australian Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), where she was named to the All-WNBL First Team.

Prior to her pro career, Amihere spent four seasons as a South Carolina Gamecock, winning an NCAA title in 2022. She averaged 6.3 points in 15.9 minutes per game in her collegiate career.

With Amihere’s signing, the Valkyries add a versatile forward who can shoot the three-ball and score in a variety of ways.

In turn, they’ve waived center Kyara Linksens, who will be competing in Eurobasket with Belgium. Linksens appeared in three games for Golden State, averaging 1 point and 1.5 rebounds in 6.7 minutes per game.

In addition, forward Cecilia Zandalasini’s contract has been temporarily suspended as she heads to Eurobasket as well.

The Valkyries are 3-5 to begin the season, and have been led by forward Kayla Thornton (13 points, 6.4 rebounds per game), guard Veronica Burton (12.8 points, 4.9 assists), and forward Janelle Salaun (10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds). Eight Valkyries players are averaging at least 7 points per game so far this season.

The Valkyries next game is on Monday, June 9th at 10pm against the Sparks.