South Carolina Women’s Basketball: A Season of Triumphs and Trials

South Carolina women's basketball team huddles during a game.

News Summary

The South Carolina women’s basketball team faced a heartbreaking loss against UConn in the NCAA Championship Game, ending their remarkable season with a 35-4 record. Despite the defeat, the Gamecocks celebrated their journey, including a stunning victory over Texas in the Final Four. Coach Dawn Staley aims to build on this success as the team looks ahead to the future, focusing on key roster decisions and the next season’s goals.

Columbia, South Carolina: A Season to Remember Despite the Championship Heartbreak

The excitement of college basketball reached a fever pitch as South Carolina’s women’s team faced UConn in the NCAA Championship Game on April 6, 2025. Unfortunately, the Gamecocks fell short, losing 82-59 in a match that ended their remarkable season with a solid record of 35-4. Fans had high hopes, especially after a thrilling victory over Texas in the Final Four just two days earlier.

Final Four Glory

South Carolina secured their spot in the championship game by defeating the fellow 1-seed Texas Longhorns on April 4, with a score of 74-57. This win was not just any victory; it was their third triumph over Texas this season, giving the Gamecocks a cumulative record of 3-1 against them. The team’s head coach, Dawn Staley, showcased her strategic prowess, boasting an impressive 8-0 record against Texas coach Vic Schaefer in postseason play.

The Gamecocks approached their national title game with immense momentum, fresh off their impressive performance in the Final Four. During that game, young star Joyce Edwards truly shone, achieving a remarkable double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, alongside six assists. Edwards made history as she became the first player in 25 years to achieve ten or more points, ten or more rebounds, and five or more assists from the bench in a Final Four match. However, the start of the game against Texas was a nail-biter, with South Carolina trailing 19-18 after the first quarter. Thankfully, the team regrouped, outscoring Texas 20-9 in the third quarter, sealing their place in the final.

A Tough Championship Game

The national championship game didn’t go as planned for South Carolina. Though the Gamecocks were fierce competitors throughout the tournament, they faced a well-prepared UConn team that managed to dominate the court. UConn, led by standout players like Azzi Fudd, who scored 24 points, and Sarah Strong, who contributed both points and rebounds, took the championship title. This win marked UConn’s first championship since 2016, ending a lengthy title drought.

Head coach Geno Auriemma celebrated his monumental achievement with this victory, claiming his 12th national title in women’s college basketball. The loss for South Carolina was particularly disheartening, considering their impressive performance throughout the entire season. Expectations were sky-high for a championship run, and fans were left with a bittersweet taste after the defeat. Coach Staley, ever the optimist, acknowledged the need for adjustments moving forward into the 2025-2026 season. One of the primary goals will be to seek a big-bodied post player from the transfer portal to add experience to a young but promising roster.

The Future in Focus

As the dust settles from this season’s rollercoaster, South Carolina’s players, especially Raven Johnson, are in a period of contemplation. Johnson is weighing her future options, which include potentially entering the WNBA Draft or returning to USC for another season. The decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal for the program’s trajectory.

Looking back, South Carolina has made significant strides in the women’s basketball landscape, having appeared in three national title games in just five years and achieving a total of four championship appearances—all under Coach Staley’s leadership. It’s worth celebrating their undefeated record in previous championship games, and fans remain proud of the achievements of this resilient team.

Conclusion

Despite the disappointing end to a stellar season, the South Carolina women’s basketball team has a lot to be proud of. With determination and dedication, they’ll use this experience to springboard into a bright future ahead. In the world of college basketball, there’s always next season, and Gamecock fans will be eagerly awaiting what comes next!