USC received a welcome boost this week as senior guard Kayla Padilla returned to full-speed offseason workouts, putting to rest lingering concerns after a minor ankle injury she suffered in late spring training. Padilla, one of the Trojans’ most reliable perimeter scorers, had been limited for several weeks, prompting speculation about whether USC might open the season without her.
Padilla looked sharp in Wednesday’s closed practice session, according to team staff, knocking down threes with her trademark efficiency and showing improved conditioning. Her return comes at a crucial moment for USC, which is preparing for a high‑expectation season and needs veteran stability alongside its rising stars.
The Trojans have dealt with injury headlines throughout the offseason, but Padilla’s recovery offers a stabilizing storyline — and importantly, no major departures have surfaced from the program. USC’s backcourt depth remains intact, and Padilla’s presence strengthens both leadership and scoring options heading into fall camp.