In a triumphant display of skill and determination, Dawn Staley’s South Carolina sealed their flawless season with an 87-75 triumph over Iowa in the NCAA championship game on Sunday.
Under Staley’s guidance, the Gamecocks became only the 10th Division I team to achieve an undefeated season, an extraordinary feat considering they had to rebuild their roster after losing all five starters from the previous year’s squad, which fell to Clark’s team in the national semifinals.
Despite Caitlin Clark’s valiant efforts to lead the Hawkeyes to their maiden championship, South Carolina’s relentless performance proved too formidable. Clark, heralded as one of the NCAA’s greatest players, poured in 30 points, including a remarkable 18 in the first quarter. Her legacy transcends individual accolades, marked by record-breaking achievements at Iowa, where she emerged as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history with an impressive 3,951 career points.
While Clark hopes to be remembered for her immense contributions to the sport and her influence on aspiring young athletes, South Carolina’s dominance in women’s basketball continues to flourish. With three championships in the last eight years, including two of the last three, Staley’s squad emerges as the latest dynasty in the sport. Staley joins an elite group of coaches, including Geno Auriemma, Pat Summitt, Kim Mulkey, and Tara VanDerveer, as one of only five to secure three national titles.
The Gamecocks’ latest triumph marks a significant milestone, becoming the first team since UConn in 2016 to complete an undefeated season. Despite encountering challenges along the way, South Carolina’s unwavering resolve propelled them to victory.
With the majority of their roster set to return next season, except for standout center Kamilla Cardoso, Staley’s team is poised to sustain their remarkable success. Tessa Johnson led South Carolina with 19 points, while Cardoso contributed a double-double with 15 points and 17 rebounds.
