As of the latest Associated Press (AP) women’s college basketball poll released today, the South Carolina Gamecocks are ranked No. 4. This ranking comes after their recent 66-62 loss to Texas, which ended their 57-game SEC regular-season winning streak.
The top five teams in the current AP poll are:
1. UCLA
2. Notre Dame
3. Texas
4. South Carolina
5. LSU
As of February 10, 2025, the Gamecocks hold a 22-2 record, with the losses to UCLA and Texas. This marks the first time since the 2021-2022 season that they have recorded two losses. However, that season was a tournament season for the Lady Gamecocks.
2021-2022 Season Highlights:
• Preseason and Early Success: The Gamecocks began the season ranked No. 1 in both the AP and Coaches polls. They maintained this top ranking throughout the season, a testament to their consistent excellence.
• Notable Victories: South Carolina secured significant wins against top-tier opponents, including victories over Howard, Oregon, UConn, Maryland, and Duke.
• SEC Tournament: In the SEC tournament, the Gamecocks advanced to the championship game but were narrowly defeated by Kentucky.
• NCAA Tournament: Entering the NCAA tournament as the No. 1 seed in the Greensboro region, South Carolina showcased their dominance by defeating Howard, Miami, North Carolina, Creighton, and Louisville to advance to the championship game. There, they triumphed over UConn to claim their second national title.
Individual Accolades:
• Aliyah Boston: The junior forward had an exceptional season, earning numerous honors, including:
• Naismith Player of the Year
• Naismith Defensive Player of the Year
• Associated Press Player of the Year
• SEC Player of the Year
• NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player
• Dawn Staley: Coach Staley was recognized as the Naismith College Coach of the Year, underscoring her pivotal role in guiding the team to national prominence.
The 2021–22 season was a landmark year for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team. Under the leadership of Head Coach Dawn Staley, in her 14th year, the team achieved a remarkable 35–2 overall record, including a 15–1 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, securing the SEC regular-season championship.
Despite facing two losses this season, the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team remains a formidable force, drawing parallels to their 2021–2022 campaign when they also incurred two defeats yet clinched the national championship. Under Coach Dawn Staley's leadership, the Gamecocks have consistently demonstrated resilience and the ability to excel in high-pressure situations. Their recent loss to Texas ended a remarkable 57-game SEC regular-season winning streak, highlighting the competitive nature of the sport.
However, the team's depth and talent position them well for a strong finish to the season. As they prepare for the upcoming SEC and NCAA tournaments, the Gamecocks are poised to leverage their experience and determination, aiming to replicate past successes and contend for another national title.