COLUMBIA, S.C. — The successes of the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team spilled over into a Columbia neighborhood on Sunday.
The Greenview neighborhood club held an event honoring MiLaysia Fulwiley and hoping to inspire other youth in that community.
“I know her from the Gamecocks basketball team,” said young fan Jaylen Jones.
Kids and adults alike lined up to talk to and about their hometown hero.
“I’m here to see Milaysia because she’s an awesome player on the Gamecocks,” Malia Kennedy said.
“It’s a superstar in our neighborhood, who would expect that?” Ya’mia Robinson said.
“We wanted to all come out and support her and show love on her,” Ivy Sherard, president of the Greenview Community Club said.
After winning the NCAA women’s basketball championship, this Greenview native continues to receive praise. Fulwiley said she is grateful for the support.
“It means a lot just knowing that my accomplishments are being very much supported and celebrated," she said. "And I feel just so lucky to be here and be able to be appreciated."
Kids running around getting face painting and ice cones also had deep messages that they say they learned from their superstar.
“She’s a very inspiring person and she inspired me to do my very best,” Jones said.
That's a message Fulwiley said she hopes the kids in her neighborhood follow.
“Just keep working hard, keep believing in yourself and listen to your parents and your friends your family," she said. "And just keep being the best version of you when no one is watching because you never know who’s actually watching.”
There were also food trucks and small businesses at the Greenview celebration.