A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACHES AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR THEIR AMAZING WIN IN THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION'S 2024 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

Whereas, as the cheers erupted in the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday, April 7, 2024, the University of South Carolina (USC) Gamecocks emerged as the undisputed champions of NCAA women's basketball, defeating the University of Iowa Hawkeyes 87-75. The Gamecocks are now 109-3 in the last three seasons; and

Whereas, from Paris to perfection, with a record of 38-0 for the season, the win marks the Gamecocks' third national basketball championship, all under Head Coach Dawn Staley, now one of only five coaches of women's basketball to collect three or more national trophies. The other championships were in 2017 and 2022; and

Whereas, although USC was the only undefeated women's basketball team in 2024 and regardless of the team's top overall seed, the Gamecocks, seemed to excel undetected while they continued to dominate and build a roster with massive and reliable depth; and

Whereas, this talented team has been unselfish with their play throughout this season. Any member of this team could be in the starting lineup at another school but instead chose to commit to supporting each other in striving for the hardware; and

Whereas, USC freshman Tessa Johnson posted a career high 19 points in the final game. Senior center Kamilla Cardoso, the team's top scorer and rebounder, added 15 points, a career-high 17 rebounds, and three blocked shots. She was named the 2024 Final Four Most Outstanding Player and is projected to be a top five Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft pick; and

Whereas, Te Hina Paopao accrued 14 points for the Gamecocks, while teammate Chloe Kitts came in with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Although USC's Raven Johnson felt offended in the 2023 Final Four loss to Iowa, this year her four steals against Caitlin Clark and two blocks atoned for that insult; and

Whereas, Iowa started the game with a 10-0 lead and was ahead by as many as 11 points in the first quarter. While Caitlin Clark scored 18 points for Iowa in the first quarter, the most points in any quarter by a single player in the national championship game, USC boasted its depth on the bench by closing the gap on the scoreboard with a score of 49-46 at the end of the first half. The Gamecocks extended their lead to 14 points in the third quarter. The Hawkeyes cut that lead to 57-55 but got no closer; and

Whereas, the South Carolina bench had 37 points, 17 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals versus Iowa with Tessa Johnson leading all South Carolina scorers with 19 points. MiLaysia Fulwiley added 9 points, 4 assist, and 4 rebounds, Sania Feagin added 6 points and 4 rebounds, and Ashlyn Watkins added 5 rebounds; and

Whereas, Coach Staley, in the immediate interview after the win, was overcome by emotion but was soon able to relish the victory with open arms in the cascade of garnet and black confetti. In the true spirit of a noble victor, she gave credit to the Hawkeyes and appreciation for the historic contributions of Caitlin Clark to women's sports. In this sport that exacts the most rigid requirements of strength and speed, accuracy and agility, the Gamecock team assistant coaches with a spot-on scouting report of Winston Gandy for the championship game against Iowa. Thanks to the coaching staff's due diligence the Gamecocks produced their most impressive defensive showings of the season; and

Whereas, love of the game allowed South Carolina to play free and without pressure and lifted the team through adversity and tough moments throughout the season, and love helped the South Carolina women's basketball team to win the National Championship. The team's motto of nothing beats love rings true; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate deeply appreciates the overwhelming pride and recognition that the USC Gamecock basketball players have brought to the Palmetto State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor the University of South Carolina women's basketball team and coaches and congratulate them for their amazing win in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's 2024 National Championship.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Coach Dawn Staley.

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