South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley was emotional after the Gamecocks' 87-75 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA Women's National Championship.
South Carolina became the 10th team in Division I to go the entire season undefeated (38-0), a picture-perfect victory that defied harsh expectations. The Gamecocks also made history as the first team since at least 2000 to win a title without one returning starter, according to ESPN.
After recovering from tears, Staley thanked Iowa's superstar for bringing excitement to the game all season.
“I would like to personally thank Caitlin Clark for elevating our sport. She has shouldered a huge burden, and when she becomes the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft, she will lift the league as well.” said Staley. “Caitlin, if you're there, you're one of the GOATs of our game and we appreciate you.”
While Staley expressed praise and recognition in her postgame comments, she and her players elicited similar sentiments from key figures in the sports world and beyond.
Former and current athletes praise South Carolina Staley
Staley won two championships in three years at the University of South Carolina, leading the team to a 109-3 record in that span. Although she has won three national titles as a coach, she has also won many honors as a player. From her two National Player of the Year awards at the University of Virginia to her three Olympic gold medals and six WNBA All-Star appearances, Staley continues to change women's basketball.
Protect Dawn Staley at all costs!! There are no ifs, buts, or buts. 🔒🫡
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 7, 2024
Man! ! @dawnstaley It's 🐐! I like her. South Carolina was the best team from start to finish. I have nothing but respect for this run. This year has been a great year for women's hoops in more ways than one.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) April 7, 2024
Congratulations to South Carolina and Coach. @dawnstaley!
It's so special to see the women's sport continue to grow and continue to dominate.— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 7, 2024
Staley is the first Black coach in Division I college basketball to finish an undefeated season. Angel Reese, an upcoming WNBA star from LSU, expressed excitement and gratitude following Staley's recent accomplishment.
It's a great season for WBB! Congratulations, SC! ! We’re excited about what’s next for WBB! 🔥
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 7, 2024
I am very happy @dawnstaley!! As a black woman, I respect what you have done. You always checked on me and always loved me like my own! ❤️
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 7, 2024
Camila Cardoso had a dominant performance throughout the tournament, and in today's win she had 15 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks, which were her best totals. The first year students showed great composure and had a big impact on the game! Milesia Huiwilli passed and played the whole game…
— Irvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 7, 2024
South Carolina can't win unless freshman Tessa Johnson hits the ball like a veteran. 19 points, 3 to 50%. No moment was too big for her. pic.twitter.com/tXE0hAy183
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 7, 2024
South Carolina star graduates celebrate
Sunday's victory came in an emotional rematch for South Carolina. The Gamecocks, whose current WNBA Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston attracted attention, lost to Clark and the Hawkeyes in last year's Final Four. Boston was able to experience firsthand the Gamecocks' completion of their revenge tour, and she cheered on Staley as she cried after the game.
South Carolina and the 1991 Tennessee Lady Volunteers are the only teams to win a national title game against a team that was eliminated from the previous Women's NCAA Tournament.
Under Staley, A'ja Wilson led the Gamecocks to their first NCAA Championship in 2017. She went on to become a two-time WNBA champion and MVP with the Las Vegas Aces.
Is Downey crying? ? ? 🥹🥹 Yes, ma'am!!! Tears of joy! 1 of 1!! Oh my god!congratulations @gamefowl !!
— Aja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) April 7, 2024
When is the parade? 👀
— Aja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) April 7, 2024
Other congratulatory messages for gamecocks
Undefeated. Indisputable.Congratulations to Coach Dawn Staley and the entire team @gamefowl Teams competing in the 2024 National Championship.
I can't wait to see you again – this time to celebrate at the White House. pic.twitter.com/i3nPKlXfb7
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) April 7, 2024
Congratulations to Dawn of Gucci and Louis Vuitton and the South Carolina gamecock ladies!!!! It was inspiring and unforgettable. thank you. It was deserved and earned.
— Lil Wayne Weezy F (@LilTunechi) April 7, 2024
Let's do it! ! ! ! The South Carolina team was phenomenal!! @dawnstaley It's just the best!!! The new students have stepped up big, the bench is big, and the leaders are taking a big lead!! I love it! ! !
— Gabriel Union (@itsgabrielleu) April 7, 2024
