South Carolina Women’s Basketball Coach Reflects on Tough Win Over Indiana

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina head women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley addressed the media on Sunday following her team’s 64-53 victory over Indiana in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Staley began her remarks by congratulating Indiana on a hard-fought game. “(I) just want to say congratulations to Indiana for making it to the second round and giving us a hard-fought game. We knew coming in it would be very similar to the basketball that was displayed out there for the last two hours,” she said.

The coach expressed pride in her team’s resilience, noting that while the game was not aesthetically pleasing, winning is all that matters at this stage. “(I’m) proud of our team, the way they gutted up and didn’t flinch. It wasn’t pretty, but at this time, it doesn’t have to be. You’ve just got to score more points than the other team,” Staley said.

Staley shared insights about a crucial conversation among her players that led to a strong third-quarter performance. “Well, they just told me ‘Pao’ calmed them down, but I’m sure it was amongst nine to ten other voices talking. It’s just a day care – that’s what I’m referencing,” she explained. “I was glad to see they actually stopped and listened to her because what she says is coming from being an experienced player that’s been through this process, and we need her voice.”

The head coach expressed concern about the team’s first-half execution, stating, “It’s a little unnerving because it’s not how you envision execution. I thought we were getting great looks. They just wouldn’t fall.” Staley observed that while her team was not scoring, there were opportunities that suggested better performance was possible. “If we’re going to get the same type of looks, we’re probably going to be in good shape,” she added.

Highlighting the defensive performance of Te-Hina Paopao, Staley noted, “Pao’s defense was great. It was executed to a T. That young lady – I don’t want to butcher her last name, we just call her Shay – does a really good job going left.” Staley credited Paopao with limiting the opposing player’s effectiveness, suggesting her defensive skills often go unrecognized.

Staley emphasized the importance of veteran players stepping up during the tournament. “It’s huge. I mean, we have to lean on our most experienced players. They’ve been here before. They’ve done it time and time again,” she stated. “We cherish the opportunity to move to the second weekend in the NCAA Tournament.”

As South Carolina prepares for its next matchup against Maryland, Staley mentioned the careful balance between recovery and focus in training. “I think it’s really important to balance the rest part of it, balance the active recovery, balance the film sessions and balance how much the players are locked in,” she explained.

Commenting on the support from traveling fans, Staley recognized their impact, stating, “It’s like no other. The unity that’s created in this building – and we do take that act on the road – it’s quite incredible.”

Looking to the future of her players, Staley remarked on the recruits coming into her program, noting, “Charity begins at home. When we’re able to get the top kids for South Carolina to stay home, it’s always a great thing because they bring a great following.”

In concluding her press conference, Staley reflected on the collective journey of her team and the support surrounding them, emphasizing the camaraderie and unity fostered through shared experiences in the community.