South Carolina is an undefeated national champion after their 87-75 victory over Iowa on Sunday. It was an accomplishment that’s right atop the resumé of Dawn Staley, which is why it brought out all the emotions from the leader of the Gamecocks.
ESPN’s Holly Rowe spoke to a crying Staley postgame following the dozen-point win for South Carolina to win her third national title at a record of 38-0. Her message was one of gratitude of a higher power as well as her team for completing the mission that they set to achieve this season.
“We serve an unbelievable God. We serve an unbelievable God,” said Staley through tears. “Uncommon faith, uncommon faith. So proud, so proud, so proud.”
This moment was about South Carolina as a team and their goal for this season after falling short in the previous Final Four to, ironically, the same opponent. It was their one and only loss of the year amidst a defense of their title. Now, a year later, the Gamecocks have made up for it with another banner as part of a perfect finish.
“They weren’t going to be denied. I’m so incredibly happy for our players,” Staley said. “It doesn’t always end like you want it to end – much like last year. But my freshies are at the top of my heart because they wanted this. I hope we can erase whatever pain they had last year, experiencing not being able to finish it here. I’m just super proud of where I work.”
“You have to let young people be who they are. You also have to guide them, help them navigate through this tough, tough world. When young people lock in and they have a belief, have a trust? And their parents have that same trust? This is what can happen,” Staley stated. “They made history. They etched their names in the history books when this is the unlikeliest group to do it. Sometimes, I mean God is funny like that. He’s funny. He rips your heart out and he makes you believe. He makes you believe the unimaginable. Thank you, Jesus.”
“I’m super proud of our fans,” said Staley. “It’s awesome. It’s unbelievable.”
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