South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley led the Gamecocks to a perfect season, culminating in their victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women’s national championship. This win was particularly impactful as South Carolina became the 10th Division I team to complete a season without a single loss, with a record of 38-0. Staley and her team made history by winning the title without a single returning starter. Staley expressed gratitude to Iowa’s standout player Caitlin Clark for elevating the sport and bringing excitement to the game all season.
Staley’s leadership and coaching prowess have garnered praise from former and current athletes, as well as major figures in the sports world. She has now won two championships in three years for South Carolina and boasts a remarkable record of 109-3 over that span. Staley’s accomplishments as a player, including two national player of the year awards at Virginia, three Olympic gold medals, and six WNBA All-Star appearances, have solidified her legacy as one of the greats in women’s basketball. She is the first Black coach in Division I college basketball to finish a season undefeated.
The support and admiration for Staley’s coaching and leadership extend beyond the sports world, with incoming WNBA star Angel Reese expressing excitement and gratitude for Staley’s achievements. Staley’s impact on her players was evident during the championship game, with freshman Kamilla Cardoso putting on a dominant performance and freshman Tessa Johnson showcasing composure and skill. Star South Carolina alumni, such as Aliyah Boston, who was eliminated from last year’s Final Four by Iowa, showed their support for Staley as she led the Gamecocks to victory in a revenge rematch.
The Gamecocks’ victory marked an emotionally charged moment for the team, as they avenged their loss from the previous year’s tournament and emerged victorious in the national title game. South Carolina joins the 1991 Tennessee Lady Volunteers as the only teams to claim victory in the championship game against the team that eliminated them from the prior women’s NCAA tournament. Staley’s impact on her players extends beyond the court, as evidenced by her connection with A’ja Wilson, who led the Gamecocks to their first NCAA championship in 2017 and went on to achieve success in the WNBA.
The Gamecocks’ undefeated season and national championship win garnered congratulations and praise from various individuals, including Vice President Kamala Harris, who expressed anticipation for celebrating with the team at the White House. Other notable figures, such as Lil Wayne, Gabrielle Union, and athletes like LeBron James, Russell Wilson, and Magic Johnson, commended Staley and the Gamecocks for their remarkable achievement. The team’s success was a testament to Staley’s leadership, the players’ dedication and talent, and the support and admiration they have received from fans and supporters across various industries.
