It was a long time coming for Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks but her program was able to complete its revenge tour with a 37-0 record and third national title under her watch.
After the game, Staley was pulled aside by ESPN’s Holly Rowe and was feeling all the emotions a year removed from heartbreak. It took her a minute to let it all soak in but she was incredibly proud of her young ladies for what they were able to accomplish.
“We serve an unbelievable God. Uncommon favor. Unbelievable. So proud… so proud,” she said.
Dawn Staley overcome with emotion after South Carolina natty win 🥹
Led the Gamecocks to a perfect season 👏 pic.twitter.com/8oLjeIrgwM
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 7, 2024
South Carolina defeated Iowa 87-75 behind a total team effort. Center Kamilla Cardoso finished with 15 points and 17 rebounds while freshman Tessa Johnson led the way with 19 points off the bench.
Te-Hina Paopao and Chloe Kitts also finished in double-figures. Along with nice contributions from juniors Bree Hall and Sania Feagin.
With Sunday’s championship win Staley joined Geno Auriemma, the late Pat Summitt, Kim Mulkey and Tara VanDerveer as the only women’s college basketball coaches with more than two NCAA Tournament trophies.
After a Hall of Fame career as a player, Staley has quickly placed herself among the ranks of basketball’s best coaches after building South Carolina into a national power.