The Iowa Hawkeyes and South Carolina Gamecocks faced off in the National Championship on April 7, with the Gamecocks finally getting their revenge. It was last season when Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes eliminated their adversary in the Final Four. South Carolina had been undefeated at that time, and it was surely a big upset.
Fast forward to the 2023/2024 year. Not much had changed, as South Carolina was rolling into the NCAA Tournament undefeated once again. However, the team had one goal in mind: to win it all.
South Carolina would take down Presbyterian, North Carolina, Indiana, Oregon State, NC State and finally have their rematch with Iowa. The night belonged to the Gamecocks, as they were in control after the first quarter. The final score of 87-75 demonstrated resilience, discipline and skill.
This would be Clark's final game in the NCAA, as she is set for the WNBA Draft, and is projected to go first overall. While it was a night of celebration for South Carolina, head coach Dawn Staley did something quite unbelievable. She gave a heartfelt shout-out to Clark, describing what she had done for the game.
Staley says, "I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport. She carried a heavy load for our sport, and it's just not going to stop here on the collegiate tour. But when she is the #1 pick in the WNBA Draft, she is going to lift that league up as well. So, Caitlin Clark, if you're out there, you are one of the GOATs of our game, and we appreciate you."
It's not often that coaches show this level of sportsmanship. Even when the night belonged to the Gamecocks, and especially Staley for winning her third national title—she wanted to give Clark her flowers.
That must have been quite a beautiful moment for Clark, who will be exiting college as one of the greatest athletes that basketball has ever seen. While she did not secure a national title, she leaves having impacted the game in such a huge way.
Clark, South Carolina's Kamila Cordosa, USC's JuJu Watkins, and LSU's Angel Reese are just some of the amazing women who showcased incredible leadership and skill this season. While many will be heading to the WNBA, they should all be proud to know how inspirational they have been to all past, present, and future players of college women's basketball and beyond.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Located in Los Angeles County, James Brizuela has been immersed in Southern California sports for over 30 years. He holds ... Read more
