Tack on another win for the South Carolina women’s basketball team. After winning all of their 38 games and the national championship last season, the Gamecocks were honored Thursday night at the ESPY’s as the Best Team.
The Gamecocks beat out the Las Vegas Aces, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma softball, Michigan football, Connecticut men’s basketball, and the Florida Panthers.
Here’s a look at the moment the USC women won the award:
38 wins. 0 losses. UNDEFEATED.
The ESPY for the Best Team goes to … @GamecockWBB‼️ pic.twitter.com/qcpHgcjzYZ
— ESPN (@espn) July 12, 2024
USC women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley was also honored at the ESPY’s with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. Here’s the moment for Staley as she accepted the award.
“If they can stand strong in the rings with unwavering bravery and go toe to toe with only faith as their armor … how can I not?”
Dawn Staley accepts the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance 👏
Join the fight with the @TheVFoundation here: https://t.com/1ZqRiuZrHF pic.twitter.com/p7FmNmIOxU
— ESPN (@espn) July 12, 2024
Former Gamecock star Aja Wilson, now with the Las Vegas Aces, won the ESPY for Best Female Athlete.
Here’s more on the two USC awards in a release from the University:
The Gamecocks became the 10th team in NCAA history to complete an undefeated National Championship season in 2023-24, adding the program’s eighth SEC Regular-Season Championship and eighth SEC Tournament title as well. South Carolina, which lost all five starters from its 2023 NCAA Final Four team that went 36-1, led the nation in scoring defense, scoring margin, and blocked shots per game, setting program records for scoring average, scoring margin, field goals made, 3-point field goals made, defensive rebounds, and assists.
Staley was recognized for her resilience not only on the court in leading a young team to a perfect 38-0 championship season in elevating women’s sports and equality in the sports world but also for her active role in the fight against cancer. With both her sister, Tracey Underwood, and her friend and former assistant coach Nikki McCray-Penson both diagnosed with cancer in recent years, Staley became a prominent figure advocating for cancer research. She partnered with organizations to mobilize potential bone marrow donors – especially those in the Black community – to register with the National Marrow Donor Program (formerly Be the Match). She has used her platform to advocate for patient care, research, and resources. Through her partnership with Aflac, she visited and supported those undergoing treatment. Beyond that, Staley has been outspoken about gender equality and diversity in sports, particularly basketball.
