Laeticia Amihere from South Carolina guided by Christian faith

South Carolina women’s basketball released tribute videos for its seniors in February. In those clips, senior forward Laeticia Amihere was credited for spiritual guidance among the team.

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Throughout her South Carolina, Amihere’s been known for her versatility on the court, playing all five positions at one point or another. But among her teammates, her encouragement and leadership ability stand out.

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Amihere, a professed Christian, attributes her role and impact on the team to her relationship with God.

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“My journey through Christ, I think, is the biggest thing that’s helped me throughout this journey,” Amihere said.

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Amihere attends Forward City Church, pastored by Travis Greene, in Columbia. She is also involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization — or FCA — on campus.

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FCA is a popular non-profit ministry that serves college campuses across the country. It’s a platform intended to help those in college athletics grow in their faith. Amihere has been involved in it since her freshman year.

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Senior forward Aliyah Boston gave Amihere a shout-out in her own tribute video for helping her get closer to God.

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When asked about Amihere’s role in her life and encouragement in her faith, Boston got emotional for a moment before responding.

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“She just is not afraid to talk about her faith,” Boston said. “And that just motivates me because that’s what God wants us to do: Continue to draw people closer to him.”

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Amihere has used her faith to not only guide her, but to inspire others on the Gamecocks.

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“That’s definitely a role that she’s bought into,” said Olivia Thompson, her roommate and teammate, said. “She does a really good job of that. She’s really impacted a lot of people on the team and just really lifts everyone up. And we’re always here to lift her up, too.”

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Amihere experienced difficult moments in her senior year.

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Before the season, she posted on social media about losses in her family — to her brother, Kofi, and her aunt, Olga Lambert.

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In those times, she leaned on her faith and the people around her.

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“It’s been an extremely difficult year, and without that journey, I definitely wouldn’t be able to play basketball or really do much,” Amihere said. “And I think that’s just been helping me focus a lot more because when things get rough, I can rely on my teammates and I can also rely on my foundation that I’ve built.”

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Amihere has also built up a reputation for being one of the main voices of leadership on the team. Her four years of college basketball experience and ability to play different positions help set the example.

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“She’s just a happy soul,” sophomore forward Sania Feagin said. “You would never know if she’s going through things. She just tries to make you feel happy. She’s just a loving person. If you’re with ‘Tiche, you’re going to have a good time.”

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Amihere has four starts in college, but mostly because of Dawn Staley’s strategy to have a strong second unit and maximize Amihere’s abilities.

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In her senior year, South Carolina (36-0) has one of the best scoring benches in the country.

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“I don’t like that she hasn’t started in her career, but she never gave us any issues with it,” Staley said. “She always trusted that this was the best decision for her and the team.”

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Staley believes Amihere will be one of the most prepared among South Carolina’s seniors for the WNBA, considering her adaptability in any situation.

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Amihere grew up as a ball handler but often functions as a post player because of her height. With the Gamecocks, Staley has trusted her to be a playmaker on the perimeter.

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“I definitely had that skill before,” Amihere said. “And really it’s kudos to coach, just being able to see what I bring to the table and putting me in the best position to do that.”

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Amihere has put up career highs in points per game (7.1) and shooting percentage (.486) this season for the Gamecocks.

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Her productivity on the court might pale in comparison to her impact on her team within the locker room. She credits her relationship with God and thanks her ministry community for their support.

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“I think that honestly saved my life and helped me be able to just play basketball this season,” Amihere said.

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Gamecocks in the Final Four

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Who: No 1 South Carolina (36-0) vs. No. 2 Iowa (30-6)

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When: Friday, approximately 9 p.m. Eastern (30 minutes after the first game ends)

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TV: ESPN

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Line: South Carolina by 11.5