Coach Dawn Staley of South Carolina: We are deserving of the top overall seed.

As the NCAA Tournament draws near and the selection committees deliberate, Coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks has firmly made her case for her team’s deserving place as the top overall seed in the country. Her assertion that South Carolina has earned this distinction is not based on wishful thinking but on a season defined by dominance, resilience, and championship pedigree. With an impressive record, a powerful roster, and a track record of success in the SEC and beyond, Staley’s confidence is well-earned.

South Carolina’s women’s basketball program has evolved into a juggernaut under Staley’s leadership. With each passing season, the Gamecocks have elevated their game to the highest level, and this year is no exception. As the regular season concludes and the Gamecocks head into the postseason with one of the most complete rosters in the nation, the question of whether they deserve the top overall seed is one that has generated significant debate. In this article, we will explore why Coach Staley’s assertion is not only justified but should be seen as a reflection of the program’s incredible achievements over the past year.

A Dominant Season: Unmatched in the SEC

To truly understand why South Carolina is deserving of the top overall seed, one must start with the performance they put forth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), widely considered one of the most competitive and challenging conferences in women’s college basketball. Under Dawn Staley, South Carolina has consistently excelled in the SEC, and this season was no different. The Gamecocks finished the regular season with a dominant record, showcasing their strength both at home and on the road.

South Carolina’s 2025 campaign was marked by a series of impressive wins over some of the toughest teams in the country. Aliyah Boston, the reigning national player of the year, continued to be an unstoppable force in the paint, while Zia Cooke, Brea Beal, and Destanni Henderson all played pivotal roles in the Gamecocks’ success. Each game provided evidence that South Carolina not only has the talent but also the mental toughness to withstand the challenges presented by top-tier competition.

While South Carolina’s dominance in the SEC was expected, the level of consistency and resilience they exhibited was exceptional. Whether it was a blowout win or a hard-fought victory, the Gamecocks demonstrated their ability to adjust and dominate, setting the stage for their claim to the top seed. Their superiority in the SEC was underscored by their head-to-head wins over other ranked teams, establishing them as the team to beat in the country.

The Aliyah Boston Factor

Much of South Carolina’s success this season can be attributed to the exceptional play of Aliyah Boston, who continues to make her case as one of the greatest players in women’s basketball. Boston’s versatility as a forward—combined with her ability to dominate defensively—has made her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

Boston’s leadership on and off the court is something that sets South Carolina apart from other teams. Her scoring ability, rebounding, and defensive presence are all elite, and her experience at the highest level makes her the perfect cornerstone for the Gamecocks. Whether it’s grabbing a key rebound, blocking a shot at the rim, or scoring efficiently in the post, Boston’s impact on every game is undeniable. She has been instrumental in keeping South Carolina’s offense flowing and her defense has been a key factor in slowing down some of the most prolific offenses in the country.

Her performance in the SEC Tournament only further solidified her case for Player of the Year honors, and it is clear that she remains the heartbeat of the Gamecocks. Coach Staley has rightfully built her program around Boston, and her presence gives South Carolina the confidence to compete with anyone. This level of consistency and dominance warrants significant consideration when discussing who should be the top seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Depth and Versatility Across the Roster

One of the defining characteristics of South Carolina’s success this season is the depth and versatility they possess across their roster. While Aliyah Boston is the team’s undisputed star, South Carolina’s strength lies in the collective effort of its entire roster. The Gamecocks have one of the deepest lineups in the country, with multiple players who can step up and make an impact when called upon.

Zia Cooke has emerged as one of the premier scoring guards in women’s college basketball, capable of lighting up the scoreboard and creating offensive opportunities for her teammates. Destanni Henderson, the point guard, has been exceptional at running the offense, distributing the ball, and making clutch plays when needed. Meanwhile, Brea Beal, one of the country’s best defenders, has provided a shutdown presence on the perimeter and has the ability to guard multiple positions. These players, along with the rest of the supporting cast, have allowed South Carolina to play with a level of versatility that most teams cannot match.

The Gamecocks have also benefitted from strong performances from their bench, which has provided crucial minutes throughout the season. Players like Laeticia Amihere and Victaria Saxton have contributed significantly in the frontcourt, giving Staley the flexibility to rotate fresh players in and out while maintaining a high level of intensity. This depth has made South Carolina a difficult team to beat, as they can adjust their game plan based on the situation and keep their opponents on their toes.

National Recognition and Head-to-Head Wins

South Carolina’s impressive body of work throughout the season has garnered national attention and respect from basketball analysts, coaches, and players alike. The Gamecocks have posted quality victories against several ranked teams, proving that they can compete and win against the best in the country. South Carolina’s ability to handle these high-pressure situations has given them a strong resume, especially with head-to-head wins against some of the top teams in the NCAA.

One of the key victories that stands out is their win over Stanford, a perennial powerhouse in women’s college basketball. By defeating the Cardinal, South Carolina showed that they are not only capable of dominating the SEC but can also take down elite programs from other major conferences. Additionally, wins over teams like UConn, Maryland, and Louisville have added significant weight to their resume and helped validate their claim to the top overall seed.

South Carolina’s victories have not been limited to just a few top teams; they have also demonstrated a consistent ability to compete and win against a variety of styles. Whether facing a high-scoring, fast-paced team or a defensively stout squad, the Gamecocks have shown they can adapt and win in different ways. This versatility, coupled with their record of success, speaks volumes about their qualifications for the top seed.

Coach Dawn Staley’s Legacy and Leadership

At the heart of South Carolina’s success is the leadership of Dawn Staley, who has transformed the Gamecocks into one of the most successful programs in the nation. Staley’s vision, work ethic, and ability to build a winning culture have set the foundation for the Gamecocks to compete at the highest level year in and year out. She has cultivated an environment where players develop both on the court and as individuals, and her leadership has been instrumental in South Carolina’s dominance.

Staley’s ability to get the most out of her players, while also keeping them grounded and focused on team success, has been a key factor in the Gamecocks’ sustained excellence. She has instilled a culture of toughness, hard work, and discipline, and her influence can be seen in the way her players approach the game. Staley’s commitment to recruiting elite talent and her ability to develop players has made South Carolina a destination for top recruits, and the program’s success speaks for itself.

As the head coach, Staley has led the Gamecocks to multiple SEC Championships, Final Four appearances, and even a National Championship in 2017. Under her leadership, South Carolina has become synonymous with excellence, and this year is no exception. Staley’s confidence in her team is evident, and she has every reason to believe that the Gamecocks deserve the top overall seed.

What It Means for South Carolina to Secure the Top Seed

Securing the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament is a significant achievement for any program. For South Carolina, it would represent the culmination of a season that has been marked by dominance, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. It would also reaffirm the Gamecocks’ place among the elite programs in women’s college basketball, solidifying their status as the team to beat heading into the tournament.

If South Carolina secures the top seed, it would also serve as a testament to their ability to perform under pressure and in big moments. The road to a national championship is never easy, and the Gamecocks will face stiff competition, but their resume and style of play make them a formidable opponent for anyone. Coach Staley has built a team that is capable of handling any challenge, and the confidence she has in her players will serve them well as they look to secure another national title.