“Winning Isn’t Just the Goal — It’s the Standard”
I still remember the first time I stepped foot on South Carolina’s campus. It was fall, and the leaves were scattered across the ground, giving the whole place this peaceful, beautiful vibe. I remember watching students going about their day, and I thought to myself, “Wow… this is about to be home.”
Then I walked into Colonial Life Arena, and the energy hit me. I imagined myself playing in front of 18,000 screaming Gamecock fans — and that moment right there lit a fire in me. I could feel how real it all was.
But the moment that truly stuck with me happened when I walked into Coach Staley’s office.
Trophies.
SEC titles. The 2017 national championship. So many trophies that they practically covered the whole room. I mean, I thought the campus was beautiful — but those trophies? Those were stunning.
When you commit to South Carolina, and when you choose to play under a legend like Coach Dawn Staley, you’re stepping into a program that demands excellence.
“One of those expectations is that you’re here to win. Simple as that. If you aren’t ready to win, then it honestly won’t work for you in this program.”
Here at South Carolina, winning isn’t just the goal anymore — it’s the standard. That mindset is why I feel so confident in this year’s team and what we’re about to prove in the coming weeks.
Stanford Showed Us Who We Really Are
If there’s one game that captures the essence of this team, it’s when we faced Stanford — No. 1 vs. No. 2. We were down 14 at the half and then 17 in the third. Most teams would’ve folded, but not us. We stayed calm, locked in, and turned the game around.
We rallied together, played aggressive defense, hit shots, and brought insane energy. The bench was electric. And we won.
That game said it all:
“Even being down didn’t faze us one bit — not even against the defending champs. We dug deep and found that spark.”
What that night told me is something I’ll never forget:
Our team thrives when we’re tested. And we never stop fighting.
But We’re Also a Family
It’s not all grind all the time. We have real fun together. We’re not just teammates — we’re friends. That bond shows in how we play, but it also shows in how we laugh. Like, I think I’m funny… but Breezy and Zia? They’re something else. Once they get going, you’re crying laughing. Every time.
That off-court chemistry? It translates. You can’t fake connection.
We play for each other, we trust each other — and we love playing together.
This team has helped me grow so much. I’m thankful for the individual recognition, for sure, and I give all the glory to God. But there are also lessons I’ve learned that won’t show up in stats.
Last year, I talked about how much I hate losing, and that’s still true. But this team has helped me grow past the idea of “letting people down.” I’ve learned how to stay focused on the moment — how to push forward without the weight of the past holding me back.
Coach Staley always reminds us:
“Keep the main thing the main thing.”
And for us? The main thing is a national title.
The Only Award That Matters
We want this championship. Badly.
Sure, I’m grateful for the award conversations — it’s an honor. But if you ask me what I really want?
“Being a national champion? That right there is THE award.”
And now, just a quick message to my teammates (y’all better be reading this):
I love y’all. I believe in us. Win or lose, I’m proud to ride with this group.
Let’s finish this thing the right way.
Let’s go get that #NATTY.
Because I’ve got a feeling Coach Staley’s office is ready for another trophy.
