Dawn Staley now holds a 3-2 record in national championship games as the head coach of South Carolina women’s basketball. Her latest appearance ended in disappointment, as the Gamecocks fell to UConn, 82-59, at Amalie Arena in Sunday’s title game.
“Much respect to UConn. They did a masterful job in executing on both sides of the basketball,” said Staley after the loss. “They’re incredibly skilled and with their role players, you’ve gotta have a really good day to beat them. I have to say goodbye to a senior class that had a historic impact on our program, our game, our city and our state.”
Despite the loss, Staley expressed excitement about her team’s future. “Any time your season ends in a loss, it should light a fire,” she said. “But I’m excited for what our team will look like next year. I do think they’ll be talented enough to get here.”
On Facing UConn Again
Staley reflected on the difference between this game and their previous matchup:
“I thought we did a great job protecting the 3-point line. If we could make it a game of 2s, we could keep it close,” she said. “The 3-pointers they made were momentum-changing. Once it got to double digits, it was hard to come back on a UConn team that’s excellent at executing.”
While South Carolina’s game plan worked early on, mistakes proved costly. “We didn’t take care of the ball. We missed layups. They make you pay,” she added. “Although the score may not reflect it, I thought we executed better.”
Saying Goodbye to a Legendary Senior Class
Staley was emotional discussing her seniors:
“I give them their flowers all the time … hang your head up high. No other women’s college basketball athlete has what they have, won as much as they’ve won, experienced what they’ve experienced.”
“They’ve allowed me to coach as my uncensored self. I can have conversations with them that would probably hurt other people’s feelings,” she added. “Hopefully I’ve prepared them for that next level — the WNBA — where it’s sink or swim.”
On the Underclassmen
Turning her attention to the younger players, Staley said:
“I hope they’re crying. I hope they’re boo-hooing. That pain makes you analyze how we close the gap,” she said. “They’re really talented. They want to get back here and deliver the blows needed to win.”
Second-Half Struggles
Despite trailing by just 10 at halftime, turnovers and missed opportunities doomed the Gamecocks.
“Our ball screen coverage wasn’t as strong in the second half,” Staley explained. “When we turned it over, they got easy buckets. That adds pressure on our offense. And to beat UConn, you’ve gotta make shots.”
Processing the Loss
“I mean, our kids gave it all they had,” Staley said. “When you’ve been on the other side of this three times, you understand it. You can swallow it. We lost to a very, very good basketball team. They beat our ass, but they didn’t make us like it. There’s a difference.”
Looking Ahead to Next Season
“It’s next woman up,” Staley said. “We lose a large senior class, but our approach won’t change. The returning players have Final Four and national championship experience under their belt. They’ll have the opportunity to top what we’ve done in the past few years.”
On WNBA Prospects
“They’re winners. They defend. They’ve been coached up. They’ll understand how to adjust to any role,” Staley said of her departing players. “They’re also good people and will be assets to any franchise.”
Helping Joyce Edwards Through the Loss
Speaking on how she supported freshman Joyce Edwards after the game, Staley shared,
“I let her sit in her sadness. That’s more powerful than breaking that train of thought. We’ll talk about it later, but that space is important.”
On Winston Gandy’s Departure
Staley also addressed Winston Gandy’s new head coaching role:
“I’m very happy he gets his dream of being a head coach,” she said. “It’s not very often that Black men get head coaching jobs. The fact that he’s one of the few makes me incredibly proud.”
