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Tag: DAWN

  • South Carolina’s Dawn Staley knows the importance of rivalry game vs. LSU: ‘It’s a game that we must win’


    No. 2 South Carolina is hosting undefeated No. 5 LSU on Friday in a marquee SEC matchup, and the stakes are high because these teams will only face once in the regular season. Following Thursday’s practice, Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley said her team is well-aware of the importance of this game.

    “It’s a rivalry. It’s a game that we must win obviously because we only play them once and you want the tiebreak advantage,” Staley said. “But it’s still just a game win or lose, every goal that you have is still in front of you. It makes it a little bit harder, especially when it comes to our conference, so I’m glad it’s at home.”

    The game was originally scheduled for Thursday, but it got postponed to Friday because of winter weather. 

    Another added element could be officiating, and how the teams adjust, Staley pointed out. Their most recent meeting was the 2024 SEC Championship game, which included a scuffle that saw multiple players leave the bench. After a 20-minute delay, the game resumed and South Carolina pulled out a 79-72 victory. 

    “We feel like the officiating is going to be on it at the start of the game,” Staley said. “Some of the things that we did in that game, we’re not going to be able to do. Some of the things that [LSU] did, they’re not going to be able to do. So for us, it’s about adjusting to how the officiating is going to be. It’s probably going to be tight. I would if I’m coordinating the officials. But I don’t think our teams are in that place, or in that head space.”

    South Carolina is 18-1 with its lone loss happening at the hands of UCLA in late November. The Gamecocks have the toughest strength of schedule in the nation, so they enter Friday’s matchup already battle-tested. Meanwhile, LSU is off to one of its best starts in program history at 20-0. Kim Mulkey’s Tigers are one of just two undefeated programs remaining along with UCLA.

    “It’s awesome for our sport, it’s awesome for our league,” Staley said. “It’s awesome to be able to participate in rivalry games. Hopefully we won’t disappoint by putting on some great basketball out there on the floor.”

    The LSU vs. South Carolina matchup is set for 5 p.m. ET at Colonial Life Arena — where the Gamecocks have won 68 consecutive games.





    South Carolina’s Dawn Staley knows the importance of rivalry game vs. LSU: ‘It’s a game that we must win’

    South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley understands the significance of their upcoming rivalry game against the LSU Tigers. With both teams vying for a top spot in the SEC standings, every game matters – and this one is no exception.

    Staley, a former standout player herself, knows the importance of rivalry games and the intensity that comes with them. “It’s a game that we must win,” Staley said. “These games are always emotional and competitive, and we have to be ready for whatever they throw at us.”

    The Gamecocks are coming off a strong start to the season, but Staley knows they can’t afford to let up now. “We have to stay focused and keep pushing ourselves to get better every day,” she said. “We can’t take any game for granted, especially not against a tough opponent like LSU.”

    With a talented roster and a proven leader in Staley, the Gamecocks are poised to come out on top in this crucial matchup. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle between these two rivals, with both teams leaving it all on the court.

    As the game approaches, Staley and her team are locked in and ready to bring their A-game. “We know what’s at stake, and we’re prepared to do whatever it takes to come out with a win,” she said. “This is a game we can’t afford to lose, and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”

    South Carolina fans can expect an exciting and intense matchup as the Gamecocks take on LSU. With Staley leading the way, the team is ready to show why they’re a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.

    Tags:

    • South Carolina
    • Dawn Staley
    • LSU
    • Rivalry game
    • College basketball
    • SEC
    • Must win game
    • Women’s basketball
    • South Carolina Gamecocks
    • LSU Tigers
    • Dawn Staley coach
    • SEC rivalry
    • College sports
    • Dawn Staley interview

    #South #Carolinas #Dawn #Staley #importance #rivalry #game #LSU #game #win

  • Dawn Staley gives legendary Pat Summitt her flowers


    South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley was named the highest-paid coach in NCAA women’s basketball history. On the other hand, she took a moment to reflect on the impact of Tennessee coaching legend Pat Summitt. As South Carolina prepared to honor Summitt during their We Back Pat game against Oklahoma, Staley shared her admiration for her.

    Pat Summitt’s illustrious career spanned 38 seasons as head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols. She led her teams to eight national championships and remains one of only three coaches in NCAA women’s basketball to secure back-to-back titles, achieving this feat in 2007 and 2008. Staley, speaking in a video posted by the SEC Network’s Instagram page, emphasized Summitt’s influence:

    “Pat Summitt has been the standard in our game, and she’s done things that you can only imagine.”

    In her tribute, Staley acknowledged Summitt’s ability to elevate women’s basketball to new heights. She praised her for setting a precedent for excellence and said:

    “We need to honor all the foremothers of our sport because of the standard. It was all attributed to Coach Summitt and her ability to bring out the best in all of her players, like all of her players.”

    Pat Summitt’s legendary career was tragically cut short by her battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Diagnosed at the age of 59 in 2011, Summitt retired from coaching the following year, leaving behind an incredible record of 1,098-208. She passed away on June 28, 2016, at the age of 63.

    To keep her memory alive, the SEC dedicates a week each year to honor Summitt’s contributions to women’s basketball and raise awareness for Alzheimer’s. The initiative, aptly named “We Back Pat,” recognizes the foundation Summitt laid for coaches like Staley and celebrates her pivotal role in advancing the sport. Reflecting on the significance of this tribute, Staley said:

    “It’s only right. Pat Summitt has been the standard in our game.”

    During this year’s We Back Pat week, Staley and the No. 2-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks (17-1, 5-0 SEC) faced No. 13 Oklahoma at Colonial Life Arena.

    Dawn Staley’s historic rise in coaching

    Dawn Staley signed a lucrative contract extension with South Carolina, making her the highest-paid coach in NCAA women’s basketball. The agreement, worth $25.25 million, ensures her tenure through the 2029-30 season and includes a $4 million annual salary, a $500,000 signing bonus, and a $250,000 annual escalator.

    Staley’s success is a testament to her transformative leadership since taking over the South Carolina program in 2008. A Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and a four-time Olympic gold medalist, Staley has cemented her place as one of the greatest figures in women’s basketball.

    Under her guidance, the Gamecocks have made six Final Four appearances, including in each of the last four seasons, and have won three national championships. Staley has also led her team to eight SEC regular-season and tournament titles, earning Naismith Coach of the Year honors four times. This season, the Gamecocks have a 17-1 overall record and remain undefeated in conference play, further solidifying their dominance.

    When Staley transitioned to coaching, she faced Summitt as an opponent eight times between 2008 and 2012. During this period, Tennessee won seven of those matchups, with South Carolina securing their only win on February 2, 2012.

    Also read: After getting $4 million contract extension, Dawn Staley makes her feelings clear on her future at South Carolina