“When I was described as the first, that meant there was going to be a second,” reflected Carolyn Peck on her 1999 national championship win. It was a slight hint that another trailblazer was coming, but the picture became clear only in 2015, as Dawn Staley was transforming South Carolina into a burgeoning powerhouse. Peck now has no doubts that Staley was destined to be the next.

Staley soon validated Peck’s words by leading South Carolina to the 2017 national championship. Six years later, Staley remains just as dedicated, with one attribute that Peck highlights as truly exceptional: her ability to adapt.

On November 4, ESPN shared Peck’s admiration for this quality, tweeting, “Dawn’s ability to adjust,” referring to what impresses her most about the defending champions’ coach. She’s right, of course. When Staley took the reins at South Carolina, the program was struggling, with two losing seasons.

Yet, Staley persevered, turning the team around season by season. Starting off with just 10-win season in 2008-09, she led the Gamecocks to their first No. 1 ranking and a Final Four appearance in 2014. By 2017, Staley became only the second Black coach to win a women’s basketball national championship, following Peck.

Today, Staley continues to strive for excellence.

Fast forward to this season: the defending champion Gamecocks are in pursuit of back-to-back titles, starting with their season opener against Michigan on Monday. But the journey won’t be easy, as they’ve lost a key player, Kamilla Cardoso, to the WNBA.

Without Cardoso, who averaged an impressive 14.4 points and had a remarkable 100% three-point shooting percentage, the team has adjustments to make. Yet, as Peck noted, Staley’s adaptability will shine through: “Now, no longer will you have Kamilla Cardoso, but they have a slew of guards that are fantastic,” added Peck.

Peck is right once again. South Carolina has many emerging stars ready to step up. MiLaysia Fulwiley, who averaged 11.7 points with a 43.8% field goal percentage as a rookie, is expected to help fill the gap. She’s joined by Te-Hina Paopao, known for her three-point shooting accuracy, and Bree Hall, who averaged 9.2 points per game. One of the highest rated prospects, Joyce Edwards, whom Staley describes as the most versatile, will also be expected to enhance the roster.

The Gamecocks enter the season ranked No.1. for the fifth straight time and will look to repeat history. They already have the first one in the bag, 68-62.