Dawn’s dynasty: Staley rules college basketball with title over Iowa

Staley and the Gamecocks thrived under the radar most of the year until the championship game
Dawn Staley
South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley holds net after winning 2022 NCAA National Championship in Minneapolis. (Photo credit: Nagashia Jackson for rolling out)

Dawn’s dynasty has officially commenced.

Dawn Staley, the coach of arguably the least talked about and overlooked undefeated team in basketball history, is now at the epicenter of the basketball world after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes, 87-75 to win the women’s NCAA national championship.


With the win, Staley completed a 38-0 season to become just the 10th team to accomplish that feat. Staley also joined an exclusive club of coaches who have won three national championships in college, which includes Pat Summit, Geno Auriemma, Kim Mulkey and Tara VanDerveer. 

Freshman guard Tessa Johnson led the Gamecocks in scoring with 19 points, including three devastating and timely 3-pointers. Senior center Kamilla Cardoso also posted a strong game for South Carolina and had a double-double with 15 points and 17 rebounds, including 10 on the offensive glass.


After the buzzer sounded to end the game, Staley collapsed with powerful emotions surging through her as she was catapulted to the pinnacle of her sport.

“We serve an unbelievable God,” Staley said before breaking down in tears for the second time.

Dawn Staley hailed by sports icons for her historic basketball achievements

A parade of celebrities, athletes and national notables descended upon social media to exalt Staley to her well-deserved throne as the queen of the NCAA:

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