PARIS, France — A pair of Gamecock season ticket holders decided to make the trip to Paris, France to witness Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks make history.
"I've wanted to go to Paris all my life so when I heard about I was like I'm going." said Rhonda Banks-Thompson, who has been a Gamecock Women's basketball fan for over a decade.
South Carolina faces Notre Dame on Monday. It will be the first NCAA basketball game ever played on Parisian Soil.
Long-time season ticket Holder and Gamecock FAM Dr. Mamie Hayes-Hartwell knew she had to be in Paris to see the Gamecocks play the Fighting Irish.
"It wasn't cheap," says Dr. Hayes-Hartwell, "We have been following the players, the team and we knew we needed a vacation so why not come to Paris and enjoy both."
Dr. Hayes-Hartwell and Banks-Thompson have been season ticket holders for over a decade.
They told News19 that the character of Dawn Staley and her players are the reason why they continue to support the team, no matter the distance.
"Coach Staley is a outstanding coach and person," says Dr. Hayes-Hartwell. "The team is filled with outstanding players that represent South Carolina extremely well while making a bigger name for Women's basketball."
The pair and their fellow FAMs are ready to see a Gamecock win.
"We will have on our Gamecock gear and will be ready to cheer them to victory." said Banks-Thompson.
The Gamecocks are coming off of a Final Four appearance last year and are ranked sixth in the AP Preseason Top 25 Poll.