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The South Carolina women’s basketball team was honored at the White House for winning the 2024 national championship.
It was an event that was a long time coming. A White House visit is a customary part of winning a national championship, but South Carolina did not get a visit after the 2017 or 2022 titles due to scheduling issues.
With the summer winding down, and the start of the season less than two months away, it was starting to look like the Gamecocks would miss out again. But the official invite came in late August and the Gamecocks were able to make the trip.
“To my incredible staff and my relentless team, this moment is yours. I ask so much of you, and you never back down. You rise to every challenge with grace, tenacity, and heart. We stand here today because of that commitment, because of your willingness to put in work and sacrifice to achieve something greater than ourselves,” Dawn Staley said. “To the University of South Carolina and the great state of South Carolina, we work hard every day to represent you well, and I truly hope we made you proud.”
The ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House. President Joe Biden and Staley entered the room holding hands. Biden wore a garnet and black tie for the occasion.
“To the families and friends and, most of all, to the players and coaches, congratulations on an incredible run of excellence. Incredible,” Biden said. “I know why you’re so good. You got a girl from Philly running this team. I married a Philly girl. You don’t screw around with a Philly girl, man. They’re tough.”
Biden listed South Carolina’s accomplishments: third championship and second in three years, a 109-3 record, an undefeated season, replacing all five starters.
“There were doubts all over about contending for the title this year. But for the record – and this is the God’s truth – I picked you to win on my card,” Biden said. “I won a lot of money. No, that’s a joke.”
Biden praised South Carolina’s influence on the sport, noting that A’ja Wilson and the WNBA champion Las Vegas had attended the White House a few months ago. He also took a dig at people who claim nobody cares about women’s sports.
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“The championship game was the most watched basketball game in five years, peaking at over 24 million viewers,” Biden said. “I’ll tell you what, I don’t think anybody is watching men’s basketball anymore.”
Earlier this summer, Staley joined First Lady Jill Biden as a member of the Presidential delegation at the Paris Olympics.
“Thank you, President Biden. To my good friend Dr. Biden and distinguished guests, thank you for this incredible honor,” Staley said. “To stand here in the White House, a house that symbolizes hope, unity, and opportunity for all, is a moment that is not lost on me.”
At the end of the ceremony, Bree Hall and Te-Hina Paopao presented the President with a #46 Gamecock jersey.
“All of those of you who hold public office in South Carolina, you better hope (Staley) keeps coaching and doesn’t run,” Biden said.
Three members of last season’s undefeated team are unable to attend the ceremony. Kamilla Cardoso, the Final Four MOP, has moved on to the WNBA and her Chicago Sky are in the midst of a tight playoff race. Sania Feagin is in Mongolia to play for USA Basketball in the FIBA U23 3×3 World Cup. Ashlyn Watkins remains suspended following her arrest on August 31.
The UConn men’s basketball team was honored Tuesday afternoon, by which time Biden had switched to a red and blue tie.
