The storyline that the sports world can't stop talking about or get enough of—Dawn Staley vs. Geno Auriemma—is coming to a close. At least that's what Coach Staley wants.
On Tuesday afternoon, the South Carolina head coach issued an official statement about her and the UConn head coach's fiery exchange after last Friday's Final Four game. In it, she confirms that she has spoken to Coach Auriemma since the dust-up, and that she wants everyone to "turn the page:"
"With the college women's basketball season behind us, it's time to move forward and close the chapter on how our semifinal game with UConn ended," Staley's statement read.
"I spoke with Geno, and I want to be clear - I have a great deal of respect for him and what he's meant to this game. One moment doesn't define a career, and it doesn't change the impact he's had on growing women's basketball. The standard at UConn is what it is because of him, and that's something this game has benefited from.
"So, I'm asking everyone to turn the page. Let's refocus on what matters most - continuing to elevate our game, creating opportunities and pushing it forward.
"That's always been my mission, and it's not changing."
The mission is unchanged – let's grow our game 🫡 pic.twitter.com/mJxqlUy6CK
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) April 7, 2026
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Staley and Auriemma's spicy postgame exchange has made headlines for the last several days. Although Auriemma claimed that his issue stemmed from Staley not shaking his hand during the formal coach and player interactions, Staley was adamant throughout that she didn't know what happened.
Auriemma released a statement on Saturday apologizing to South Carolina's players and staff, but Staley's name wasn't specifically included. His temper tantrum took away from a brilliant South Carolina defensive effort, and even the likes of WNBA star Candace Parker weighed in on what happened.
Although Staley had said on Sunday that she had not spoken to Auriemma, it's nice to know that the two legends have cleared the air.
Staley and Auriemma have met 15 previous times, with the Gamecocks winning four of the last six meetings against the Huskies. There is a 2026-27 regular-season on the books for South Carolina and UConn for next year, so luckily we don't have to wait long to see these two legends face off again.