University Of South Carolina Gamecock Women's Basketball
The University of South Carolina (USC) Gamecock Women's Basketball team has a storied history of excellence on the court. Founded in 1974, the team has consistently been a top contender in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and has made numerous appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including winning the national championship in 2017. Let's take a closer look at the history and success of this remarkable team.
The Early Years
The USC Gamecock Women's Basketball team was founded in 1974 under head coach Nancy Wilson. During its first decade, the team had mixed success, qualifying for the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) National Tournament three times, but failing to advance past the second round each time. In 1983, USC joined the SEC, which would prove to be a turning point for the program.
The Dawn Staley Era
In 2008, Dawn Staley was named head coach of the USC Gamecock Women's Basketball team. Under her leadership, the team has seen unprecedented success, including three consecutive SEC regular-season titles from 2014-2016 and the 2017 NCAA National Championship.
Staley, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, has not only brought success to the team but has also been an advocate for equality and social justice. In 2020, Staley was named the Naismith Women's College Coach of the Year, an honor that reflects not only her coaching prowess but also her leadership off the court.
The National Championship Season
The 2016-2017 season was a historic one for the USC Gamecock Women's Basketball team. Led by seniors Kaela Davis and Allisha Gray, the team won its first SEC Tournament Championship and advanced to the NCAA Final Four for the second time in school history.
In the championship game, the Gamecocks faced off against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. In a thrilling game that went down to the wire, the Gamecocks emerged as national champions, winning by a score of 67-55. A'ja Wilson, a junior at the time, was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player.
The Future Of The Program
The future of the USC Gamecock Women's Basketball team looks bright. Under the leadership of Dawn Staley, the team has continued to excel on the court, earning a No. 1 seed in the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Additionally, the team has continued to be a leader in social justice initiatives, using their platform to advocate for change.
As the team continues to build on its legacy of success and impact, fans can look forward to many more exciting seasons to come.