Ten years ago, in April 2015, the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team etched their names into history by making their first-ever Final Four appearance. Under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, what began as a milestone for the program soon turned into the foundation of a dynasty. Now, a decade later, Staley and her Gamecocks find themselves on the cusp of yet another chapter in an already legendary journey.
A Historic First Step
Back in 2015, South Carolina’s rise was already stirring national attention. That year, Staley guided the team to a 34-3 season, powered by stars like Tiffany Mitchell and A’ja Wilson. Their run to the Final Four ended in heartbreak with a 66-65 loss to Notre Dame, but it marked the arrival of a program that would never again be an afterthought in women’s college basketball.
That game didn’t just change the trajectory of South Carolina basketball—it changed the expectations.
From Contender to Champion
In the decade since, Dawn Staley has built a powerhouse. The Gamecocks captured their first national championship in 2017, followed by another in 2022. SEC titles became routine. Top recruiting classes kept rolling in. And perhaps most importantly, South Carolina became synonymous with resilience, excellence, and empowerment under Staley’s no-nonsense but deeply caring leadership style.
“We knew 2015 was just the beginning,” Staley once said. “That Final Four wasn’t our destination. It was our launching pad.”
2025: Another Shot at Greatness
Now, in April 2025, the Gamecocks are back. After a dominant run through the NCAA Tournament, South Carolina punched their ticket to yet another Final Four—and now, to the national championship game. While the road wasn’t always smooth, this year’s squad, a balanced mix of experienced upperclassmen and hungry young talent, has shown the grit that defines every Staley-led team.
Their opponent? UConn—the same program that has haunted many championship dreams. The clash is set to be a battle of titans, with Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma once again facing off in a matchup that represents more than just basketball. It’s legacy versus legacy.
More Than Just a Game
As the Gamecocks prepare for tip-off, there’s a palpable sense of destiny in the air. This team isn’t just playing for a trophy. They’re playing for the legacy of the 2015 pioneers, for every player who helped build the program brick by brick, and for a coach who turned belief into banners.
“One more sleep,” the team tweeted, echoing the anticipation of a decade-long journey that could culminate in yet another historic moment.
No matter what happens next, the story of South Carolina women’s basketball is already one of the greatest in the sport. But with one more win, it could become something even greater—a dynasty crowned once more.
