CBS News: Dawn Staley Doesn’t Mince Words on South Carolina’s Deserved NCAA Tournament Seed
In a recent interview, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley made it clear that she felt her team’s performance warranted a top seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Staley, who has built South Carolina into a dominant powerhouse in women’s college basketball, was unapologetically direct about the Gamecocks’ placement, emphasizing that their consistent excellence throughout the season should speak for itself.
“I think it’s pretty clear where we stand as a program,” Staley said. “We’ve earned the right to be at the top, and there’s no question about that. We’ve worked hard, we’ve shown up every game, and we’ve dominated our competition. It’s not just about one or two games – it’s about the whole season. We’re not here to make excuses.”
The Gamecocks have been one of the most dominant teams in women’s college basketball under Staley’s leadership, with a strong roster filled with seasoned veterans and talented newcomers. Their 2024 season has been no different, with the team putting together a series of impressive wins over top-ranked opponents, including several of the nation’s best programs.
Despite their strong resume, there has been ongoing debate surrounding the final rankings and seeding ahead of the tournament, with some analysts questioning whether South Carolina deserved the No. 1 spot. Staley’s response was measured but firm: “We’ve been tested all year, and we’ve passed every test. We’re not asking for respect; we’re demanding it.”
In addition to her team’s remarkable season, Staley pointed to the broader issue of gender equity in sports, stressing that women’s college basketball should be treated with the same level of respect and recognition as men’s basketball, particularly when it comes to seeding and tournament selection.
“We’ve worked just as hard, if not harder, to get here. We deserve the same opportunities and recognition that any other program in the country gets,” Staley added. “This is about fair treatment for all athletes, no matter the gender.”
As South Carolina heads into the NCAA Tournament, the Gamecocks are poised to make another deep run. With a coach as passionate and determined as Dawn Staley leading the way, they’ll certainly be a team to watch in the coming weeks.
The NCAA Tournament begins soon, and with the Gamecocks focused on their goals, they’re ready to prove once again why they belong at
the very top.