Sorry is this was already posted, I find this interesting, headlines say Dawn Staley, but I would assume our program paid for this or was it actually Coach Staley?
if anyone wants to buy me a Ruth Chris meal , I will make myself available
Published yesterday in USA Todat
USA TODAY
During the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Media Day, Norfolk State women's basketball head coach Larry Vickers shared a nice story about Dawn Staley and the South Carolina women's basketball team.
According to Vickers, the South Carolina team bought dinner for Norfolk State's team the night before both teams played against each other in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
The dinner took place at Ruth's Chris Steak House and was fully paid for by the South Carolina program, and the Norfolk State's team enjoyed the nice gesture and ordered more than enough food, Vickers said.
“We might’ve spent about five grand on dinner,” he said. “My team ran up the tab.”
Vickers said many of his players had never been to a luxury steakhouse before and each player ordered an entrée with two sides, not knowing that the sides were made to be shareable thus getting enough food for a feast. Unfortunately, all that food did not help their performance the following day.
“Somehow, we played the next day five pounds heavier,” Vickers joked.
Vickers praised Staley for her hospitality and said that he was impressed with the magnitude and energy around her after he personally met her. He added that Staley does an excellent job of making everyone feel loved and comfortable.
It was the first time the Norfolk State Spartans had made the NCAA Tournament since 2002.
After their loss to South Carolina, Dawn Staley went into their locker room and praised the team on their performance. Vickers said Staley's gesture was exciting, and it was a great experience for his players.
South Carolina's run for the 2023 title ended in a stunning Final Four loss to Iowa.
if anyone wants to buy me a Ruth Chris meal , I will make myself available
Published yesterday in USA Todat
Dawn Staley bought her team's NCAA opponent a $5,000 Ruth's Chris meal before they played
Elizabeth FloresUSA TODAY

During the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Media Day, Norfolk State women's basketball head coach Larry Vickers shared a nice story about Dawn Staley and the South Carolina women's basketball team.
According to Vickers, the South Carolina team bought dinner for Norfolk State's team the night before both teams played against each other in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
The dinner took place at Ruth's Chris Steak House and was fully paid for by the South Carolina program, and the Norfolk State's team enjoyed the nice gesture and ordered more than enough food, Vickers said.
“We might’ve spent about five grand on dinner,” he said. “My team ran up the tab.”
Vickers said many of his players had never been to a luxury steakhouse before and each player ordered an entrée with two sides, not knowing that the sides were made to be shareable thus getting enough food for a feast. Unfortunately, all that food did not help their performance the following day.
“Somehow, we played the next day five pounds heavier,” Vickers joked.
Vickers praised Staley for her hospitality and said that he was impressed with the magnitude and energy around her after he personally met her. He added that Staley does an excellent job of making everyone feel loved and comfortable.
Norfolk State Spartans run at the 2023 NCAA Tournament
During the first-round game, the No. 1 overall seed and the reigning champion South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the No. 16 seed Norfolk State Spartans 72-40. The Spartans went into the first round, shooting 40% on the season, but were held to 26% by the Gamecocks, only making 16 of 61 attempts.It was the first time the Norfolk State Spartans had made the NCAA Tournament since 2002.
After their loss to South Carolina, Dawn Staley went into their locker room and praised the team on their performance. Vickers said Staley's gesture was exciting, and it was a great experience for his players.
South Carolina's run for the 2023 title ended in a stunning Final Four loss to Iowa.