Why Dawn Staley believes that the Gamecocks should play UConn each year

In the ever-evolving landscape of women’s college basketball, there are few rivalries that have captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike like the one between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the UConn Huskies. These two teams have come to represent the pinnacle of excellence in women’s basketball, with Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks establishing themselves as a dominant force in the sport over the last decade, and Geno Auriemma’s Huskies continuing their legacy as one of the most successful programs in the history of the game.

For Staley, the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, the idea of facing UConn year in and year out is more than just a strategic decision. It’s a belief rooted in the importance of competition, legacy, and the need for both teams to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence. In fact, Staley has been quite vocal about her desire for the Gamecocks and Huskies to play each season, arguing that the matchups between the two programs do more than just generate excitement—they provide significant benefits for both teams and for the future of women’s college basketball as a whole.

Here’s why Dawn Staley believes that playing UConn should become an annual tradition, and how such a rivalry could shape the future of women’s college basketball.

A Rivalry Built on Excellence

The rivalry between South Carolina and UConn goes beyond just wins and losses. It’s about two programs that have consistently operated at the highest level of competition and success. Under Geno Auriemma, UConn has won a staggering 11 national championships, with their dominance in women’s college basketball setting a standard that many programs aim to emulate. For years, the Huskies were the benchmark by which all other teams were measured.

However, in the last decade, Dawn Staley and South Carolina have emerged as one of the few programs capable of challenging UConn’s supremacy. With Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and other elite players leading the way, South Carolina has risen to national prominence, winning two NCAA titles in 2017 and 2022 and consistently being ranked among the top teams in the country. Staley’s leadership has transformed South Carolina into a juggernaut in its own right, and now the Gamecocks stand shoulder to shoulder with UConn as one of the top programs in the nation.

This backdrop of excellence sets the stage for a rivalry that transcends individual matchups. It’s not just about who wins on a given day—it’s about two programs continuously striving to outdo one another, to elevate the game, and to inspire the next generation of players and fans. For Staley, the key to continuing this evolution is regular, high-level competition. And that’s where UConn comes in.

Strengthening the Women’s Game

At the heart of Staley’s argument for scheduling UConn each year is her desire to see the women’s game continue to grow and thrive. As the landscape of women’s college basketball evolves, Staley is keenly aware that it’s crucial for the sport to maintain its visibility and excitement. Having two teams like South Carolina and UConn face off on a regular basis would provide a marquee event each season that attracts attention not only from hardcore basketball fans but also from casual sports fans and national media.

“When we play UConn, the attention we get is something that drives the sport forward,” Staley said in an interview. “We need to have these matchups that captivate the audience and remind people why women’s basketball is so special. UConn has been the gold standard for so long, and we’ve reached a point now where we’re neck and neck with them, and that only pushes both of us to be better.”

The Gamecocks’ rise to prominence in women’s basketball is a testament to the power of competition. South Carolina’s success has proven that women’s basketball can not only stand up to the men’s game in terms of quality and intensity, but it can also develop its own unique identity. By continuing to schedule UConn each season, both programs are doing their part to showcase the evolution of the sport and to fuel the drive toward further growth.

Through media exposure, rivalries like the one between South Carolina and UConn also play a significant role in elevating women’s sports in general. Major networks like ESPN and CBS have regularly aired high-profile matchups between the two teams, showcasing women’s basketball to a larger audience and providing a platform for players to display their talents on a national stage. Staley recognizes the importance of this visibility and understands that having consistent, competitive matchups between UConn and South Carolina could draw more attention and investment into the sport.

The Importance of Challenging the Status Quo

Dawn Staley has never been one to shy away from challenges. Her coaching career has been defined by a willingness to take risks, challenge conventions, and push her teams to be better. When she took over as head coach of South Carolina in 2008, she inherited a program that was far from the powerhouse it is today. But through relentless work and a commitment to developing players both on and off the court, Staley transformed South Carolina into a perennial contender for national championships.

In many ways, playing UConn annually is a direct reflection of Staley’s mindset as a coach. By consistently testing her team against the best, she pushes her players to grow and evolve. Each matchup with UConn is a learning experience, not just for the players but for the coaching staff as well. Every game presents an opportunity to refine strategies, identify weaknesses, and gain invaluable experience in high-pressure situations.

“We need games like this,” Staley explained after a recent victory over UConn. “Every time we play them, we’re forced to be better. We have to raise our level of execution, our mental toughness, and our ability to perform when it matters most. It’s how you grow as a team. We can’t settle for anything less than our absolute best, and that’s the kind of challenge UConn provides.”

For South Carolina, UConn is the ultimate measuring stick. The Huskies’ sustained excellence and their ability to thrive in big moments make them a team that every program aspires to compete with. Staley has recognized that by consistently playing UConn, she can help her players develop the mental fortitude and competitive spirit that will serve them well as they chase championships and compete at the highest level.

Recruiting and Legacy Building

Another key reason why Staley believes South Carolina should play UConn each year is the impact it has on recruiting. High school players and their families are often drawn to programs that offer the best competition and the best opportunities to grow as athletes. For Staley, having her team play UConn annually sends a clear message to recruits: If you want to compete at the highest level, South Carolina is the place to be.

In fact, recruiting has played a major role in the rise of South Carolina as a national power. Staley has consistently attracted some of the top talent in the country, including the likes of Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Bree Hall—all of whom have helped elevate South Carolina’s program to elite status. But the chance to compete against UConn year after year is a major selling point for future recruits, who know that a strong performance in these matchups will provide national exposure and demonstrate their ability to perform on the biggest stages.

“Every recruit wants to play in the biggest games,” Staley said. “When we go head-to-head with UConn, we’re talking about a national stage. We’re talking about elite-level competition, and that’s what every player dreams of. If we can get those kinds of games on our schedule consistently, we’re showing our recruits that we’re serious about competing for championships and providing them with the opportunities to showcase their talents.”

For Staley, the ability to bring in elite talent and compete with the best is integral to building a legacy. The Gamecocks have already made history with their national championship wins, but Staley’s broader vision is to continue pushing her program to even greater heights. A consistent rivalry with UConn would help keep South Carolina on the map as one of the premier programs in the country.

A Shared Legacy of Empowerment

One of the most compelling aspects of Staley’s argument for an annual UConn-South Carolina game is the larger context in which it takes place—the shared legacy of empowering women in sports. Both Staley and Auriemma have worked tirelessly throughout their careers to elevate the women’s game, creating opportunities for female athletes to excel and inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps.

Through their success on the court and their influence off of it, both Staley and Auriemma have become role models for young women everywhere. By continuing to play each other regularly, they demonstrate the strength of women’s basketball and set a powerful example of what is possible when women in sports come together to push each other toward greatness.

“There’s a respect between us,” Staley said, referring to Auriemma and UConn. “We both understand the responsibility we have in shaping the future of women’s basketball. When we play, we’re not just playing for our teams—we’re playing for the next generation. We’re playing to show young girls that they can be champions, that they can succeed, and that they have a place at the table.”

Conclusion

Dawn Staley’s belief that South Carolina should play UConn each year is rooted in a deep understanding of the game’s evolution, the importance of competition, and the need to continue pushing the boundaries of women’s college basketball. For Staley, the regular matchups with UConn are about more than just wins and losses—they’re about elevating the sport, inspiring the next generation of players, and ensuring that the women’s game remains as competitive and visible as possible

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As both programs continue to grow and evolve, it’s clear that an annual game between South Carolina and UConn would only strengthen the rivalry, deepen the competitive fire, and provide fans with some of the best women’s basketball on the planet. For Dawn Staley, it’s not just about facing UConn—it’s about growing the game and securing its place in the future.