Current:Home > reviewsDawn Staley thanks Caitlin Clark: 'You are one of the GOATs of our game.' -WealthFlow Academy
Dawn Staley thanks Caitlin Clark: 'You are one of the GOATs of our game.'
View
Date:2025-04-13 17:54:59
Dawn Staley entered rare territory when she won her third national championship on Sunday. After her South Carolina Gamecocks beat the Iowa Hawkeyes 87-75, she became the fifth coach in Division I women's college basketball history to capture three titles and she did it finishing a perfect 38-0.
But her opponent also made history this season. Iowa's Caitlin Clark became college basketball's all-time leading scorer and smashed several other records in her senior year. She is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft next week and has already become a household name with her long list of sponsorships.
In her national championship speech, Staley applauded Clark, who finished with 30 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the finale, for the impact she's made in women's college basketball.
"I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport," the coach said. "She carried a heavy load for our sport and it just is not gonna stop here on the collegiate tour. But when she is the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, she's gonna lift that league up as well. So Caitlin Clark if you're out there, you are one of the GOATs of our game. We appreciate you."
A day earlier, Staley said to be in the GOAT conversation, a player has to have a ring. “I mean, she’s really damn good regardless,” Staley said of Clark. “But winning the championship would seal the deal."
FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.
Before taking the stage to receive the trophy, Staley was choked up with emotion while speaking with ESPN's Holly Rowe. She pinched her eyes and bent over while Aliyah Boston, her former player and current WNBA star who had broadcast duties this week, put her arm around her for support.
When she finally caught her breath, Staley explained how part of why this title feels so special is because last year, South Carolina's undefeated season was squashed by Iowa in the Final Four. In the revenge tour, the Gamecocks had a completely new starting five, including senior center Kamilla Cardoso and transfer guard Te-Hina Paopao.
"I'm so incredibly happy for our players. 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," Staley said while her players were Swag Surfin' behind her. "I hope we can erase whatever pain they had last year experiencing not being able to finish it here."
The Gamecocks are the tenth team in Division I women's college basketball history to finish a season undefeated. Staley was awe-struck at how they bounced back.
"They made history. They etched their names in the history books when this is the unlikeliest group to do it," Staley said. "God is funny like that. He's funny. He rips your heart out and he makes you believe. He makes you believe the unimaginable."
veryGood! (98991)
Related
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler was 'unknowingly' robbed at Santa Anita Park in September
- These Amazon Prime Day Sweaters Are Cute, Fall-Ready & Start at $19
- The sports capital of the world? How sports boosted Las Vegas' growth
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Boston Red Sox pitching legend Luis Tiant dies at age 83
- The most popular 2024 Halloween costumes for adults, kids and pets, according to Google
- Man arrested in Michigan and charged with slaying of former Clemson receiver in North Carolina
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- Video shows nearly 100 raccoons swarm woman's yard, prompting 911 call in Washington
Ranking
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Ryan Seacrest Reveals His Workouts and Diet Changes to Feel 29 Again
- 49 Best Fall Beauty Deals for October Prime Day 2024: Save Big on Laneige, Tatcha & More Skincare Faves
- Why Wait? These October Prime Day 2024 Deals Make Great Christmas Gifts & Start at Just $4
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- Don’t count on a recount to change the winner in close elections this fall. They rarely do
- What is the Electoral College and how does the US use it to elect presidents?
- 'We're just exhausted': The battered and storm-weary prepare for landfall. Again.
Recommendation
What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
30% Off Color Wow Hair Products for Amazon Prime Day 2024: Best Deals Guide
AIΩ QuantumLeap: Disrupting Traditional Investment Models, the Wealth Manager of the Intelligent Era
Muggers ripped watch off Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler’s arm, police say
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
2 off-duty NYC housing authority employees arrested in gang attack on ex New York governor
Judge declines bid by New Hampshire parents to protest transgender players at school soccer games
Padres warn fans about abusive behavior ahead of NLDS Game 3 against Dodgers