[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 10, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPION USC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2024

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 2024 
NCAA Women's National Basketball Champions, the University of South 
Carolina WBB Gamecocks. In a tremendous demonstration of skill, 
teamwork, and depth, the Gamecocks clinched their third national title 
on April 7, 2024, after a perfect season.
  The road to the championship was far from easy. The Gamecocks 
embarked on a season unlike any other, achieving 38 consecutive wins. 
Pre-NCAA tournament victories included a highly competitive match-up 
against reigning champions Louisiana State University and a nail-biter 
against the University of Tennessee. During the NCAA tournament, the 
Gamecocks beat No. 15 seed in-state neighbor Presbyterian College; No. 
8 seed University of North Carolina; No. 4 seed Indiana University; No. 
3 seed Oregon State University; No. 3 seed NC State University; and No. 
1 seed University of Iowa.
  The championship game was the first time the Gamecocks and Hawkeyes 
met since Iowa, led by their star point guard Caitlin Clark, defeated 
South Carolina in the 2023 NCAA Final Four. This time, teamplay 
defeated individual performance. The Gamecocks had four players in 
double figures, led by Tessa Johnson with 19 points; Kamilla Cardoso 
with 15 points and 17 rebounds; Te-Hina Paopao with 14 points; and 
Chloe Kitts with 11 points and 10 rebounds. South Carolina guards Raven 
Johnson and Bree Hall's defensive contributions slowed down Clark, who 
was fresh off a 41-point victory, two days earlier.
  South Carolina's success can be attributed to the contributions of 
the Gamecock bench, which outscored Iowa's bench 37-0. Their 37 of 
South Carolina's 87 points in the Championship game gave the sports 
world an appropriate understanding of our Nation's motto, E Pluribus 
Unum (out of many, one).
  This victory is a testament to Coach Dawn Staley's leadership skills. 
Her dedication to developing young talent and ability to create a 
culture of excellence were rewarded handsomely. After last year's Final 
Four defeat, all five South Carolina starters--one of which was an All-
American and another the future No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft--departed 
the team. All for various and good reasons.
  Despite receiving an Associated Press Top 25 preseason ranking of No. 
6, the 8-time SEC Champions quickly rose to No. 1. Their unwavering 
dedication, offensive prowess, and defensive tenacity left opponents at 
a loss. From each opening tip to the final buzzer, this South Carolina 
team were models of resilience and determination, with their relentless 
spirit propelling them to this ultimate triumph.
  Coach Staley, who I am proud to call a friend, led a team that lost 
all five of last year's starters. She recruited and assembled some 
remarkable and talented young women and built them into an outstanding 
team. Their starting line-up consisted of No. 10 Kamilla Cardoso, 
senior and starting center from Montes Claros, Brazil; No. 0 Te-Hina 
Paopao, senior and starting guard from Oceanside, California; No. 21 
Chloe Kitts, sophomore and starting forward from Oviedo, Florida; No. 
23 Bree Hall, junior and starting guard from Dayton, Ohio; and No. 25 
Raven Johnson, sophomore and starting guard from Atlanta, Georgia.
  Their supporting cast consisted of No. 12 MiLaysia Fulwiley, freshman 
guard and No. 2 Ashlyn Watkins, sophomore forward both from Columbia, 
South Carolina; No. 5 Tessa Johnson, freshman guard from Albertville, 
Minnesota; No. 20 Sania Feagin, junior forward from Ellenwood, Georgia; 
No. 35 Sakima Walker, senior center from Columbus, Ohio; and No. 15 
Adhel Tac, freshman center from Grand Prairie, Texas.
  This national championship win is a collective achievement, but 
special mention is appropriate for their only player currently 
scheduled to depart, Kamilla Cardoso. She was named Most Outstanding 
Player of the Tournament after averaging a double-double during post-
season play. Cardoso also drew All-America honors from the U.S. 
Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) (First Team), the AP (Second 
Team), and the Wooden Award. Additionally, the Women's Basketball 
Coaches Association (WBCA) and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) named 
her Defensive Player of the Year, and she was named to the All-SEC. 
First Team.
  Some individual achievements of her teammates should be celebrated as 
well. Guards Raven Johnson and Te-Hina Paopao, along with forward 
Ashlyn Watkins, earned spots on the All-SEC Second Team and MiLaysia 
Fulwiley made the SEC All-Freshman Team. Paopao also picked up All-
America recognition from the USBWA (Second Team) and the AP (honorable 
mention).
  Coach Staley, a legend in her own right, has transformed South 
Carolina WBB into an absolute basketball powerhouse. The Gamecocks have 
won 8 regular season championships, 8 SEC tournament championships, and 
3 national championships. This year, Coach Staley was named the 
Naismith Women's College Coach of the Year, AP Women's Coach of the 
Year, WBCA Coach of the Year, and SEC Coach of the Year. She also 
became the first Black coach, male or female, to win three Division 1 
basketball titles and the fifth coach to win at least three titles.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in celebrating 
this remarkable University of South Carolina Women's Basketball team. 
As the confetti settles and the celebrations continue, one thing is 
certain: the future of South Carolina women's basketball is bright. Go 
Gamecocks.

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