The game finished off a historic, undefeated season for the Gamecocks, just the 10th ever in women's college basketball. It was also the program's third title since the 2016-2017 season. They also were the undisputed #1 team in the land when the 2019-2020 season was cut short due to Covid-19. No other team has won multiple championships during that time.
As expected, the South Carolina basketball FAMs will have a chance to celebrate their team with a championship parade. According to a release from the City of Columbia, Sunday, April 14th at 2:00 will mark the start of a parade. Head coach Dawn Staley revealed on Twitter/X that Main Street in downtown Columbia will be the epicenter of the parade. More details will be announced later.
The parades in 2017 and 2022 were each a little bit different than the other, but if this one is anything like those, there will be an opportunity for Dawn Staley and her team to address the best women's college basketball fans in the country. There will also be honors and recognition for the Gamecocks (Dawn Staley received a key to the city back in 2022).
At the risk of getting to far out ahead of this, the Gamecocks' third parade doesn't feel like their last. Despite losing senior Kamilla Cardoso to the WNBA Draft (where she is expected to be a top-5 pick this summer), South Carolina basketball might be even better next season as every other player on the roster is eligible to return next season after getting another year better. Plus, three 5-star freshmen are joining the team, including National Player of the Year Joyce Edwards.
There will be plenty of celebrating on Sunday, but Gamecock fans can make no mistake, the days of their favorite team's dominance are only just beginning.