South Carolina coach Dawn Staley has successfully guided the Gamecocks to 15 winning seasons, seven Final Fours, and three national championships since arriving in Columbia in 2008. In addition to her major accomplishments, she has demonstrated remarkable consistency, comparable to that of champion coaches Geno Auriemma of UConn and Kim Mulkey of LSU.
Building on her impressive legacy, one of Staley’s greatest achievements is helping South Carolina win 14 straight games in its all-time rivalry against Clemson, overturning a 22-33 deficit to a 36-33 edge after the 2024-25 season.
The 70th game between the Gamecocks and the Tigers on Tuesday night means a lot for her, more than just getting a Palmetto point in their all-time rivalry.
Dawn Staley Speaks About the Rivalry Game With Clemson
Dawn Staley discussed South Carolina’s historic rivalry with Clemson, also known as the Palmetto Series, during a media availability session on Monday, one day before the Gamecocks’ clash against the Tigers. She took note that pride is at stake in this rivalry, and she’s making sure that the team is doing its part in securing a Palmetto point in the rivalry.
Staley also recalled losing her first two rivalry games as the coach of South Carolina. She said those setbacks motivated her to make sure the Gamecocks win every game against the Tigers.
“I think just winning, continue to win (each rivalry game) and I think my first two years, losing to them was a big deal like a real big deal,” Staley said. “So that’s always in my brain and my heart when it comes to this rivalry game. So I always want to give us another Palmetto today.”
Last season, the Gamecocks dominated the Tigers en route to a 77-45 win that extended their winning streak to 14 games. South Carolina used a 19-6 second-quarter surge to take a 29-17 halftime lead that they didn’t relinquish.
The Gamecocks made 57.6% of their attempts in the second half to tame the Tigers. It also extended South Carolina’s winning streak to 43 games, dating back to the start of the 2023-24 season, during which they won their third national title.
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This year, both teams open the season with identical 2-0 marks, which would make the game more exciting. South Carolina demolished Grand Canyon (94-54) and dismantled Bowling Green (114-47) to begin its quest for their fourth national title on a bright note. On the other hand, Clemson is also 2-0 after beating USC Upstate (76-38) and Mercer (72-51).
A win would mean more than just gaining a 3-0 record for Dawn Staley’s South Carolina in women’s college basketball. It would help the school secure its first point of the Palmetto Series as Clemson currently holds a 2-0 lead in this year’s multi-sports competition after winning its games in men’s soccer and women’s volleyball.