The South Carolina women's basketball team visited the White House on Tuesday to celebrate its 2024 national championship win, their third under head coach Dawn Staley. President Joe Biden said the legacy of Staley and the Gamecocks is setting an example for future generations.
It was definitely a historic season for the Gamecocks as they went 38-0 en route to the national title, becoming just the fifth program to ever complete a perfect season. They did so after defeating Iowa, 87-75, who at the time had now-Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.
"I think it's fair to say everyone, everyone watches women's sports now," Biden said. "When new fans watch for the first time, when young girls see their idols, they see the power of your example."
South Carolina has been the most dominant team in the country in recent years and has gone 74-1 over the last two campaigns. What Staley has achieved on the court has been impressive, but Biden also gave her credit for lifting up others.
"Coach Staley, when you took this job, Carolyn Peck ... she gave you a piece of a net from the title game," Biden said. "All she asked you was to pay it forward, and that's what you've done. After your first title game, you send a piece of the net to every Black woman head coach in Division I basketball. That network is your legacy."
Staley thanked Biden and said she saw this as "a teachable moment" for her team.
"My hope is that this lands on you, as my team, as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can come from unifying and doing things the right way," Staley said. "To my incredible staff and my relentless team, this moment is yours. I ask so much of you and you never back down.
"You rise to every challenge with grace, tenacity and heart. We stand here today because of that commitment, because of your willingness to put in work and sacrifice to achieve something greater than ourselves."
The White House also welcomed the UConn men's basketball team on Tuesday. The Huskies won their second consecutive title under Dan Hurley with a 75–60 win over Purdue in April.