A senate RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS ON AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO HONOR THEM FOR WINNING THE 2024 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP.

Whereas, the pride of the entire Palmetto State, the University of South Carolina women's basketball team, has once again shown its championship form. The team delivered an exciting and undefeated 2023-2024 season that culminated with a thrilling championship victory; and

Whereas, this championship win marks the Gamecocks' third national championship; and

Whereas, in the championship game, the Gamecocks resoundingly defeated the University of Iowa by a score of 87-75, completing a perfect 38-0 season; and

Whereas, Iowa stormed out of the gate and took an early lead. The Gamecocks, never rattled, battled back and took the lead at halftime through strong performances by freshmen Tessa Johnson and MiLaysia Fulwiley. In the waning seconds of the first half, Raven Johnson set the tone for a dominating second half when she stole the ball from Caitlyn Clark near midcourt and drove the lane for a layup; and

Whereas, Iowa attempted to mount a comeback in the second half that was squelched by an 8-0 run lead by Ashlyn Watkins, Tessa Johnson, and Bree Hall. The Gamecocks kept Iowa at arms-length for the rest of the game with Final Four Most Outstanding Player Kamilla Cardoso leading the way; and

Whereas, with this win, the Gamecocks finished the tenth perfect season since the NCAA women's tournament began in 1982; and

Whereas, the championship game averaged almost nineteen million viewers, more viewers than any NBA or college basketball game has garnered since 2019; and

Whereas, the Gamecocks have flourished under the leadership and guidance of Coach Dawn Staley, who recently received her third straight SEC Coach of the Year award and numerous national coach of the year awards. This win makes her the first Black coach in Division I history to win three national titles; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the pride and recognition that the University of South Carolina women's basketball team has brought to its school, its community, and the State. On behalf of the people of South Carolina, the members offer their congratulations on a class act and best wishes for continued success.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate the University of South Carolina women's basketball team, coaches, and school officials on an outstanding season and honor them for winning the 2024 NCAA championship.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the University of South Carolina women's basketball team and Head Coach Dawn Staley.

----XX----