WASHINGTON — The South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team have been honored at White House for winning the 2024 National Championship.
The team met with President Joe Biden just after 11 a.m. Tuesday in the East Room of the White House . Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and City Manager Teresa Wilson were there, as well as several members of the state's Congressional delegation in D.C. , including Rep. James Clyburn and Sen. Lindsey Graham.
The team first and took their place on stage. Then USC Head Coach Dawn Staley and Biden walked in arm and arm to the stage, where both spoke.
“I think it’s fair to say everyone, everyone watches women’s sports now,” Biden said. “When new fans watch for the first time, when young girls see their idols, they see the power of your example.”
"This moment is yours," Staley said about her team and staff. "I ask so much of you and you never back down. You rise to every challenge with grace, tenacity and heart. We stand here today because of that commitment, because of your willingness to put in work and sacrifice to achieve something greater than ourselves."
Biden was also presented by the team with a South Carolina Gamecocks jersey with the number 46, since Biden is the 46th President.
This is the first time the Gamecocks have been to the White House to be honored for winning a championship. Schedule conflicts prevented them from going for the 2017 title and the 2022 championships.
Biden will also honor the UConn Huskies men's basketball team for their national title.
In April, USC defeated Iowa 87-75 in the national championship game. The Gamecocks became the first women's team to go undefeated since UConn in 2016 and just the 10th team to go through an unblemished season, including the 2022-23 season, when they went undefeated until the Final Four. USC is 74-1 over the last two seasons. When you add their last title run in 2022, they're 108-3 in three seasons. The Gamecocks are undefeated in championship games, going 3-0.
Last season, the Gamecocks led the nation in scoring defense, margin, and blocked shots per game.
USC begins its title defense with a game against Michigan on November 4 in Las Vegas, Nevada.