COLUMBIA, S.C. — Beyoncé has a dedicated following of millions of fans. But when it comes to what she's a fan of, we know one thing: Dawn Staley and her national championship South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team.
Staley took to social media Wednesday to read from a letter and show the goodies sent to her by Queen Bey herself, Beyoncé. In a video thank you back to the singing superstar, Staley was seated beside a large bouquet and pointed to a t-shirt sitting on a table.
Staley then read from the letter: "To Coach Staley and the entire South Carolina Gamecocks. Me and my family watched your games and cheered you on the entire season."
"I am so proud of you. All my love," Beyoncé closed in the letter.
Staley then played a snippet of the song "Texas Hold 'Em" off Beyoncé's new hit album, "Cowboy Carter." "B, thank you. We appreciate you; we're honored to wear your gear," Staley said.
The shirt Beyoncé sent read, "Always been country," which is part of the promotion of the new album.
"Well, guess what, I've lived in the South for 16 years; I'm a little bit country too," said Staley, originally from Philadelphia. "It's because of you, B. Keep inspiring. We love you."
The Gamecocks won the national championship on April 7, beating Iowa 87-75 in the title game. The contest was the highest-rated women's college basketball game of all time.
Since the win, Staley and her team have been on a whirlwind ride of accolades, beginning with a ceremony on their home court at the Colonial Life Arena the day after the title. Staley then went to Paris to watch a Premiere League soccer match, where she was seen handing out with her former star player, the Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson, as well as Serena Williams, among others. O Sunday, Staley and her team rode through downtown Columbia for a victory parade. The next day, Staley and senior Kamilla Cardoso were in New York City for the WNBA Draft, where Cardoso was drafted third to the Chicago Sky. And finally, Cardoso and Staley rang the New York Stock Exchange bell on Tuesday.
