GOOD NEWS: South Carolina women’s basketball capped off another dominant season with a No. 2 ranking in the final Associated Press poll, marking the program’s fourth consecutive top-2 finish. The Gamecocks, led by head coach Dawn Staley, went undefeated throughout the regular season and SEC Tournament before falling just short in the national championship game to Iowa.
Despite the loss, South Carolina’s consistency and dominance throughout the year earned them respect nationwide. The team finished the season 38-1, tying the program’s single-season win record. It was also the second straight year the Gamecocks entered the Final Four unbeaten, a testament to the sustained excellence under Staley’s leadership.
This year’s squad, though relatively young after key departures to the WNBA last year, quickly established itself as one of the most balanced and tenacious units in the country. Behind a deep bench and standout performances from players like Kamilla Cardoso and Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina not only maintained its elite defensive identity but also showcased a more fluid and dynamic offensive attack.
With this final AP ranking, the Gamecocks have now been ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 at season’s end every year since 2021. It’s the longest such streak in the nation, further solidifying the program’s place among the elite in women’s college basketball.
Though they fell just short of a perfect season and national title, South Carolina’s 2024-25 campaign will be remembered as another chapter in a remarkable era. With another top-ranked recruiting class incoming and several stars likely to return, the Gamecocks are poised to remain in the national spotlight—and continue their quest for more championship
glory.
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