Dawn Staley describes her emotions of seeing new national championship banner hung

Thursday night was a special occasion for the South Carolina women’s basketball program, as Dawn Staley and Co. hoisted their third national championship banner in seven years. And the meaning of the moment is still not lost on the head coach.

Speaking after the game, a win over Coppin State, Staley reflected on celebrating the 2023-24 team for one last night. And she also considered how more than just the team shared in the celebration and successes.

“I mean it’s beautiful,” Staley said. “It’s always a beautiful ceremony, no matter if the spotlight was on it or not. I knew what it was. And I didn’t even have my glasses on. I knew what it was. So any time you’re able to be a part of the very people who have covered us, the very people that have traveled with us, the very people who always seem to make this a home court advantage for us, to unveil the banner with them is always a great thing.”

And having done a national championship celebration three times already now, it still hasn’t worn off on Staley that each year, only one team gets to show off a new national title banner and often, it’s been hers.

“It’s always — and it’s only one. It’s only one team that’s able to do that and we’ve been able to do it three times in the past seven years and that’s incredible,” Staley said.

And ever the coach, Staley was disappointed with parts of South Carolina’s performance

After winning 92-60, Staley was asked what she had learned last night about the Gamecocks. Frankly, she said that she had noted her team being undisciplined to this point in how they have played.

“Yeah, every game we play, we learn something,” Staley said. “I mean, I learned that, at times, we’re not very disciplined. I’m used to us being a lot more disciplined than we’re playing with in longer stretches. Then, when we get up by a big lead, I’d rather us not try to do things to please the crowd. It’s cool if you connect with it. It doesn’t look good if you don’t.”