The South Carolina women's basketball team had a historical March Madness run in 2024. Under the leadership of Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks went undefeated the entire season and won the national championship. Moreover, Te-Hina Paopao quoted Raven Johnson during South Carolina's championship parade revealing the team's “repeat tour” aspirations.
Paopao started her parade speech by thanking everyone involved with South Carolina's program in 2023-24.
“We want to thank everyone who supported us throughout this journey. Our athletic staff, our band, our fans…you guys [helped propel] this group of girls together to love each other selflessly and just compete,” Paopao said, per Matt Vereen.
Then, Paopao revealed Raven Johnson's exciting claim for the 2024-25 season.
“In the words of Raven Johnson ‘Crockpot' Johnson: it's time for the repeat tour!” Paopao said as the crowd erupted in cheer.
The South Carolina women's basketball team indeed wants to continue its success. With Dawn Staley as their fearsome leader, anything is possible. Staley also took the microphone on Sunday and gave a few insightful words in reflection on the 2023-24 season.
Staley began by discussing the Gamecocks' “uncommon favor” shirts, digging into the supreme energy that helped South Carolina have a successful year.
“God sometimes says: I can show you better than I can tell you,” Staley claimed.
Staley revealed how she and her team were hurt after they lost 77-73 to Iowa in the 2023 Final Four. She acknowledged that everyone involved in the program played a part in helping the team bounce back for their third program title in 2024. She was grateful that the team's road to the championship was filled was less heartbreak.
South Carolina's incredible run has been no accident, and they do not want their success to end. The Gamecocks look to reload for another historical showing in 2024-25.
South Carolina women's basketball wants to keep the boat rowing
The Gamecocks became the fifth program in the history of women's college basketball to complete a perfect season in 2023-24. Moreover, the team has won three championships within eight years. South Carolina will lose to key contributors from their magical run, but there will be bright pieces returning.
Most notably, Te-Hina Paopao, Raven Johnson, Chloe Kitts, Tessa Johnson, and MiLaysia Fulwiley are set to return for 2024-25. Each player was vital to South Carolina during the regular season and postseason.
Paopao's laser-sharp shooting will be an incredible asset for the Gamecocks. She shot a blazing career-high of 46.8% on three-pointers during the 2023-24 season. She and South Carolina's other contributors also came up huge in March Madness play.
Sophomore forward Chloe Kitts put up an impressive 10-point-11-rebound performance in the championship game against Iowa. Meanwhile, freshman Tessa Johnson erupted with 19 points and four rebounds off the bench, while MiLaysia Fulwiley chipped in nine points, four rebounds, and four assists.
Things will not get easier for the Gamecocks. They still have to deal with the might of fellow SEC powerhouse LSU. In addition, the rise of star USC guard Juju Watkins poses a serious threat to South Carolina's endeavors.
Nevertheless, Dawn Staley's squad will return strong as ever and look to continue their historical period of success.
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