South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley led the Gamecocks to a perfect season, culminating in an 87-75 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women’s national championship. South Carolina completed the season with a 38-0 record, becoming the 10th Division I team to achieve this feat. The Gamecocks made history as the first team since at least 2000 to win a title without a single returning starter. Staley expressed gratitude to Iowa’s Caitlin Clark for elevating the game of women’s basketball throughout the season.
Former and current athletes, as well as major figures in the sports world, praised Staley and the South Carolina team for their remarkable accomplishment. Staley has now won two championships in three years for South Carolina, boasting an impressive 109-3 record over that span. She is the first Black coach in Division I college basketball to finish a season undefeated. Incoming WNBA star Angel Reese expressed excitement and gratitude following Staley’s championship win, highlighting the impact of the achievement on women’s basketball.
Players such as Kamilla Cardoso, Milaysia Fuiwiley, and Tessa Johnson were instrumental in South Carolina’s championship victory. Cardoso showcased dominance throughout the tournament, contributing significantly in the final game with 15 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Fuiwiley displayed excellent passing and playmaking skills, while Johnson delivered a standout performance with 19 points and a 50% shooting accuracy from 3-point range. These players, along with their teammates, played a crucial role in South Carolina’s success.
Reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston, a star alum of South Carolina, experienced an emotional rematch as the Gamecocks avenged their defeat from last year’s Final Four against the Hawkeyes. Boston, who led the Gamecocks to victory in the national title game, was supported by Staley following the win. South Carolina and the 1991 Tennessee Lady Volunteers are the only teams to have won the national title after being eliminated by the same team in the previous women’s NCAA tournament. A’ja Wilson, another South Carolina alumna, also celebrated the Gamecocks’ success.
Numerous congratulatory messages poured in for Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks following their undefeated championship season. Vice President Kamala Harris applauded the team and expressed anticipation for a celebratory visit to the White House. Rapper Lil Wayne and actress Gabrielle Union also praised Staley and the Gamecocks for their remarkable achievement. The support and recognition from various individuals from diverse backgrounds underscored the significance of South Carolina’s historic season in women’s college basketball.
