South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley found herself once again enveloped in a cascade of confetti. This marks the third time in seven years, yet, Staley’s embrace of the moment was evident. Her players, like true sisters, assisted her in removing the confetti from her hair, ensuring she looked pristine for the cameras during the post-game interview led by reporter Holly Rowe.
The Gamecocks secured their national championship title inside Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Sunday. Amid the celebration, Staley stood tall, her hands raised in triumphant acknowledgment of the historic victory. As confetti descended from above, she wasted no time in gathering it. This ritual has become emblematic of her tenure with the team.
The win marked South Carolina’s third national title under Staley and solidified their exceptional record of 109-3 over the last three seasons. Staley etched her name in the annals of basketball history. She became the first Black Division I women’s basketball coach to lead a team to an undefeated season. Her achievement places her among an elite group of Division I coaches. With three or more NCAA titles, she stands alongside icons like Tara VanDerveer and Geno Auriemma.
Staley’s affinity for confetti extends beyond mere celebration; it embodies a tradition deeply rooted in sisterhood and camaraderie. Originating in 2015 with South Carolina’s first SEC Tournament title under Staley’s guidance. They have upheld this tradition through seven SEC titles and three national championships.
But what happens to the confetti once the celebrations subside? It is not merely swept away but rather cherished and preserved. Players, coaches, and staff diligently gather the confetti, stashing it in pockets and hats, before returning to Columbia. There, the confetti finds a new home, adorning the trophy case as a testament to the team’s collective achievements.
In a poignant moment following the Elite Eight victory over LSU, Staley expressed her fondness for confetti and the joy and camaraderie it represents. “I like confetti,” she told ESPN’s Holly Rowe, her words resonating with the spirit of unity and celebration that defines her team.
As the confetti settles in Cleveland, marking yet another triumph for South Carolina, it symbolizes victory but also the unwavering sisterhood that propels Dawn Staley and her Gamecocks toward greatness.
