Dawn Staley’s South Carolina had what can only be described as the perfect season last year. Undefeated and unstoppable, they clinched the 2023-24 national championship title with an 87-75 victory over Iowa. It was a run for the ages, and obviously, a perfect season deserves an equally perfect way to commemorate it. The team received their championship rings on December 2nd, and these are not just your average pieces of jewelry. They have a story to tell.

On Monday night at Colonial Life Arena, the Gamecocks were treated to a special ceremony where they received not one, but two rings each. One for their SEC title and another for their national championship win. Coach Dawn Staley and the entire team were there to celebrate the achievements with fans and athletic staff.

The most extraordinary championship ring: Personal touches that celebrate team’s historic season

This ceremony wasn’t held before a home game, as we’ve seen in the past, due to a slight delay in getting the rings. But once the bling arrived, it was well worth the wait. Designed by Jostens, the leading provider of custom-crafted championship jewelry, these rings are far from ordinary. 

The top of the National Championship ring features not one, not two, but three gold-tone NCAA trophies. Each trophy has a rich red stone symbolizing one of the team’s three national championship titles. And you know what’s special? The top of the ring twists off and transforms into a pendant. 

It’s among the first of its kind in the college championship ring market. Once removed, it reveals a model of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the court where the Gamecocks played their semifinal and championship games. As if that wasn’t enough, the “Gamecock Love” logo decorates the back of the pendant, designed by Coach Staley herself to pay tribute to the “LOVE” sculpture in Philadelphia’s JFK Plaza (better known as LOVE Park).

Now, for those who appreciate a little detail, the ring’s left side features the words “PERFECT SEASON” across the top. After all, the team had an incredible 38-0 record. Below that, the 2024 national championship logo shines proudly. On the right side, each recipient’s name is displayed above the 2024 Final Four logo, along with their jersey number or title.

Then comes the inside of the ring, where the scores of the Gamecocks’ two Final Four games are engraved, along with the logos of the teams they beat. And to add to it are sparkling white stones that decorate every ring surface, making it shine from every angle.

Meanwhile, the SEC title ring isn’t as fancy, but it’s still pretty unique, too. It features the team’s capital “C” logo and their Gamecocks mascot. Both rings were designed by Jostens’ experts to be intricate, meaningful, and stunning.

Chris Poitras, Senior Vice President and GM of Jostens’ Professional and College Sports Division said it best, “This South Carolina women’s basketball team showcased remarkable talent. This unique, customized ring will eternally symbolize this team’s exceptional season and enduring legacy.”

 And we couldn’t agree more. The legendary coach who made it all happen was beaming through the ceremony. However, she must have missed the presence of her star player, Kamilla Cardoso. 

Cardoso couldn’t come as she is currently playing overseas for the Shanghai Swordfish of the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association. Other than her, everyone else, including practice players, managers, and assistant coaches, received rings. 

The HC didn’t forget to thank the fans for their continued support. “Thank you, thank you, to you for always being there for us, for always supporting us,” she said as she looked out over the smiling faces of the families and fans in attendance. This moment must have reminded Coach Staley of just how far she’s come with the team she joined 16 years before. And what a crazy ride it has been.

Dawn Staley is grateful for what she gets to do

When Dawn Staley took the reins as head coach of South Carolina’s women’s basketball team, things were far from perfect. In fact, she had to rebuild a program that was struggling with a few tough losing seasons at the start. But she turned it all around. 

After a slow start with just ten wins in her first season, she gradually made the Gamecocks one of the most feared teams in college basketball. By the time the 2014-15 season rolled around, she was prepared to lead them to their first-ever No. 1 ranking and a Final Four appearance. 

But that was just the beginning. In 2017, Staley’s Gamecocks took it all the way, winning their first national championship. She became just the second African American coach to win the women’s basketball national title. From there, she kept adding multiple SEC championships, Final Fours, and two more NCAA national titles. 

Not to forget, she has helped produce a string of top-tier players, including WNBA stars like A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and Zia Cooke. Also, she makes time to shine off-court as she is the first coach in history to have their own solo cover on SLAM Magazine. No other coach, men’s or women’s, has ever been featured solo on the iconic magazine.

And while she has achieved a lot, one of the richest college basketball coaches still sees coaching as her biggest passion. “One of the most gratifying moments of my life was to be able to play and then be able to coach all at the same time,” she said. So, it’s safe to say that South Carolina will be on the up and up as long as it has a coach like Dawn Staley.