Story by
South Carolina women’s basketball will face Southern to open March Madness
- Story by
- South Carolina women’s basketball will face Southern to open March Madness
COLUMBIA — South Carolina women's basketball and coach Dawn Staley finally know their first round opponent to start the Women's NCAA Tournament .
The No. 1 seed Gamecocks (31-3) will play No. 16 seed Southern (20-13) in Colonial Life Arena on March 21 (1 p.m. ET, ABC). Southern beat Samford 65-53 on March 19 in a First Four game.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
No. 8 Clemson (21-11) and No. 9 Southern Cal (17-13) play in the first round and will follow on March 21 (3:30 p.m., ESPN2).
The first-round winners will play in the Round of 32 on March 23.
The Gamecocks are the No. 4 overall seed but the top seed in the Sacramento 4 Regional.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Apr 3, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley argue at the end of a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
(Joe Camporeale, Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs 78-52 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
(Thien-An Truong, Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts against the Oklahoma Sooners during the fourth quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
(Thien-An Truong, Getty Images)
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley waves to fans Monday, March 23, 2026, after the Gamecocks won in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Feb 22, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley smiles at her bench players against the Mississippi Rebels in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 22: Head coach Dawn Staley, right, of the South Carolina Gamecocks talks with Christine Williamson, left, Andraya Carter and Chiney Ogwumike before an NCAA women's basketball game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Colonial Life Arena on February 22, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
(Sean Rayford, Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts in the first half against the Tennessee Lady Volunteers during their game at Colonial Life Arena on February 08, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
(Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 25: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks on in the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores during their game at Colonial Life Arena on January 25, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
(Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 18: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks signs autographs after the game against the Coppin State Eagles at Physical Education Complex on January 18, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
(Greg Fiume, Getty Images)
Jan 11, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley hugs mascot Cocky before their game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 1: Head Coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks communicates with an official during the second quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Colonial Life Arena on January 1, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
(Sean Rayford, Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts against the USC Trojans during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on November 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 30: Head coach Dawn Staley and Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrate their 91-82 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels during The Bad Boy Mowers Series between the North Carolina Tar Heels and South Carolina Gamecocks at State Farm Arena on October 30, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Apr 6, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley hugs guard Raven Johnson (25) during the second half of the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Mar 23, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley waves to the crowd following their win against the Indiana Hoosiers at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley cuts the net down after the win over Texas in the SEC women’s championship at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley hoists the SEC Championship Trophy after her team's win over Texas during the SEC Women’s Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts to the referee's decision in the first half as the Texas Longhorns take on the South Carolina Gamecocks at the Moody Center, Feb. 9, 2025. Texas won the game 66-62.
(Sara Diggins/American-Statesman, Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 02: Former South Carolina Gamecocks player A'ja Wilson hugs head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks before her jersey retirement ceremony before the game against the Auburn Tigers at Colonial Life Arena on February 02, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
(Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 12: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks communicates with players during the fourth quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game against Texas Longhorns at Colonial Life Arena on January 12, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. The South Carolina Gamecocks won 67-50. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Dec 19, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley waves to fans after the game with Clemson at Littlejohn Coliseum Wednesday, November 20, 2024; Clemson, SC, USA.
(Ken Ruinard - staff)
Dawn Staley, left, picked South Carolina and Lee Corso picked LSU during the ESPN Gameday show before kickoff at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Saturday, September 14, 2024.
(Ken Ruinard / staff)
US President Joe Biden shakes hands with Coach Dawn Staley during an event to celebrate the University of South Carolina women's basketball team for their 2023-2024 championship season, in the East Room of the White House on September 10, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew ANGERER / AFP) (Photo by DREW ANGERER/AFP via Getty Images)
(DREW ANGERER, AFP via Getty Images)
Aug 9, 2024; Paris, France; Dawn Staley talking to Kevin Durant during a women's basketball semifinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the trophy presentation after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)
Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley cuts the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)
Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the trophy presentation after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, cutting down the net after a victory in the Elite Eight, will coach the Gamecocks in another Final Four.
(Gregory Fisher, USA TODAY Sports)
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley celebrates with the team after the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Sunday, March 10, 2024.
(Ken Ruinard / staff)
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley cuts down the net after her team beat LSU for the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Sunday, March 10, 2024.
(Ken Ruinard / staff)
Mar 3, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the Tennessee Lady Vols in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)
Dawn Staley, Head coach of the University of South Carolina basketball team, hugs Gamecocks signee Joyce Edwards of Camden High, after they won 44-22 against Wren High in the 2024 South Carolina High School 3A Basketball Championship game at the Florence Center in Florence, S.C. Saturday, March 2, 2024.
(Ken Ruinard / staff)
Feb 11, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley disputes a call against the UConn Huskies in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)
Jan 15, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 4, 2022; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; Darlington Raceway president Kerry Tharp poses with University of South Carolina womens basketball coach Dawn Staley after giving her a plaque for her role as Honorary Pace Car Driver prior to the COOK OUT Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
(David Yeazell, David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports)
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley cuts down the net after beating Maryland in the NCAA Women's Elite Eight Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Monday, March 27, 2023.
(McKenzie Lange / USA Today Sports)
Mar 19, 2023; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the South Florida Bulls in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)
Mar 17, 2023; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley dances before their game against the Norfolk State Spartans in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball tournament at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)
Apr 13, 2022; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks womenÕs basketball head coach Dawn Staley speaks to fans during their championship parade. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley cuts down the net as she celebrates the Gamecocks' victory over UConn for the national title.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
Mar 8, 2020; Greenville, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley celebrates after defeating the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the SEC Conference Championship at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeremy Brevard, Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports)
South Carolina forward A'ja Wilson (22) picks up South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley after winning the during 2018 SEC Women’s Basketball Championship at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Sunday, March 4, 2018.
(Shelley Mays/ Tennessean.com)
Dawn Staley after winning the 2017 Women's Final Four championships
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, left, and assistant coach Lisa Boyer celebrate the Gamecocks 67-65 win over North Carolina in the 3rd round of the NCAA Women's Tournament Friday, March 27, 2015 at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C.
(BART BOATWRIGHT/Staff)
Dawn Staley helped Virginia to three Final Fours and was a two-time national player of the year from 1989-92.
(USA TODAY Sports)
1
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
1
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
2
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Apr 3, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley argue at the end of a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
(Joe Camporeale, Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)
3
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs 78-52 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
(Thien-An Truong, Getty Images)
4
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts against the Oklahoma Sooners during the fourth quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
(Thien-An Truong, Getty Images)
5
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley waves to fans Monday, March 23, 2026, after the Gamecocks won in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
6
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Feb 22, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley smiles at her bench players against the Mississippi Rebels in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
7
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 22: Head coach Dawn Staley, right, of the South Carolina Gamecocks talks with Christine Williamson, left, Andraya Carter and Chiney Ogwumike before an NCAA women's basketball game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Colonial Life Arena on February 22, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
(Sean Rayford, Getty Images)
8
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts in the first half against the Tennessee Lady Volunteers during their game at Colonial Life Arena on February 08, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
(Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images)
9
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 25: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks on in the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores during their game at Colonial Life Arena on January 25, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
(Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images)
10
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 18: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks signs autographs after the game against the Coppin State Eagles at Physical Education Complex on January 18, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
(Greg Fiume, Getty Images)
11
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Jan 11, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley hugs mascot Cocky before their game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
12
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 1: Head Coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks communicates with an official during the second quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Colonial Life Arena on January 1, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
(Sean Rayford, Getty Images)
13
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts against the USC Trojans during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on November 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)
14
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 30: Head coach Dawn Staley and Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrate their 91-82 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels during The Bad Boy Mowers Series between the North Carolina Tar Heels and South Carolina Gamecocks at State Farm Arena on October 30, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
15
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Apr 6, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley hugs guard Raven Johnson (25) during the second half of the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
16
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Mar 23, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley waves to the crowd following their win against the Indiana Hoosiers at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
17
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley cuts the net down after the win over Texas in the SEC women’s championship at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
18
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley hoists the SEC Championship Trophy after her team's win over Texas during the SEC Women’s Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
19
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts to the referee's decision in the first half as the Texas Longhorns take on the South Carolina Gamecocks at the Moody Center, Feb. 9, 2025. Texas won the game 66-62.
(Sara Diggins/American-Statesman, Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
20
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 02: Former South Carolina Gamecocks player A'ja Wilson hugs head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks before her jersey retirement ceremony before the game against the Auburn Tigers at Colonial Life Arena on February 02, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
(Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images)
21
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 12: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks communicates with players during the fourth quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game against Texas Longhorns at Colonial Life Arena on January 12, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. The South Carolina Gamecocks won 67-50. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
22
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Dec 19, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
23
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley waves to fans after the game with Clemson at Littlejohn Coliseum Wednesday, November 20, 2024; Clemson, SC, USA.
(Ken Ruinard - staff)
24
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Dawn Staley, left, picked South Carolina and Lee Corso picked LSU during the ESPN Gameday show before kickoff at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Saturday, September 14, 2024.
(Ken Ruinard / staff)
25
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
US President Joe Biden shakes hands with Coach Dawn Staley during an event to celebrate the University of South Carolina women's basketball team for their 2023-2024 championship season, in the East Room of the White House on September 10, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew ANGERER / AFP) (Photo by DREW ANGERER/AFP via Getty Images)
(DREW ANGERER, AFP via Getty Images)
26
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Aug 9, 2024; Paris, France; Dawn Staley talking to Kevin Durant during a women's basketball semifinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
27
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the trophy presentation after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)
28
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley cuts the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)
29
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the trophy presentation after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)
30
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, cutting down the net after a victory in the Elite Eight, will coach the Gamecocks in another Final Four.
(Gregory Fisher, USA TODAY Sports)
31
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley celebrates with the team after the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Sunday, March 10, 2024.
(Ken Ruinard / staff)
32
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley cuts down the net after her team beat LSU for the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Sunday, March 10, 2024.
(Ken Ruinard / staff)
33
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Mar 3, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the Tennessee Lady Vols in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)
34
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Dawn Staley, Head coach of the University of South Carolina basketball team, hugs Gamecocks signee Joyce Edwards of Camden High, after they won 44-22 against Wren High in the 2024 South Carolina High School 3A Basketball Championship game at the Florence Center in Florence, S.C. Saturday, March 2, 2024.
(Ken Ruinard / staff)
35
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Feb 11, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley disputes a call against the UConn Huskies in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)
36
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Jan 15, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)
37
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Sep 4, 2022; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; Darlington Raceway president Kerry Tharp poses with University of South Carolina womens basketball coach Dawn Staley after giving her a plaque for her role as Honorary Pace Car Driver prior to the COOK OUT Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
(David Yeazell, David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports)
38
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley cuts down the net after beating Maryland in the NCAA Women's Elite Eight Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Monday, March 27, 2023.
(McKenzie Lange / USA Today Sports)
39
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Mar 19, 2023; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the South Florida Bulls in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)
40
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Mar 17, 2023; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley dances before their game against the Norfolk State Spartans in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball tournament at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports)
41
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Apr 13, 2022; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks womenÕs basketball head coach Dawn Staley speaks to fans during their championship parade. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)
42
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley cuts down the net as she celebrates the Gamecocks' victory over UConn for the national title.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
43
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Mar 8, 2020; Greenville, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley celebrates after defeating the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the SEC Conference Championship at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
(Jeremy Brevard, Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports)
44
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
South Carolina forward A'ja Wilson (22) picks up South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley after winning the during 2018 SEC Women’s Basketball Championship at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Sunday, March 4, 2018.
(Shelley Mays/ Tennessean.com)
45
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Dawn Staley after winning the 2017 Women's Final Four championships
(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)
46
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, left, and assistant coach Lisa Boyer celebrate the Gamecocks 67-65 win over North Carolina in the 3rd round of the NCAA Women's Tournament Friday, March 27, 2015 at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C.
(BART BOATWRIGHT/Staff)
47
/47
Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 19th season
Dawn Staley helped Virginia to three Final Fours and was a two-time national player of the year from 1989-92.
(USA TODAY Sports)
Southern women's basketball repeated as SWAC tournament champions
Southern University is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
Southern repeated as tournament champions this season, beating Alabama State 73-56 to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
The Jaguars finished third in the SWAC with a 20-13 regular-season record, including 12-6 in conference play.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
They have a four-game win streak.
DeMya Porter leads Southern in scoring
Sophomore 6-foot-1 forward DeMya Porter averages a team-high 9.7 points per game and 5.1 rebounds which is the second most for Southern.
Southern's schedule prepared Jaguars for March
The Jaguars faced seven opponents that have been ranked in the top 25 this season.
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com . Follow her on X @Lulukesin and Bluesky @bylulukesin.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: South Carolina women's basketball first March Madness opponent set
