The South Carolina Gamecocks finally earned a call to the White House this year. The Dawn Staley-coached team won the 2024 NCAA Championship back in April, giving them the golden opportunity to meet the POTUS Joe Biden. Notably, this was their first visit to the executive mansion, despite bagging the National Championship titles in 2017 and 2022.

The ceremony, which was already special for the Gamecocks’ stars, became all the more so when their head coach Staley entered the auditorium with Biden himself. The 54-year-old had recently served as a member of the presidential delegation to the Paris Olympics, which to some extent, accounts for her cordial relations with Biden.

In 2017, when the U of SC won their first title, Staley declined the invitation to the White House, revealing that by the time they had been contacted, it was already time for the next season. Therefore, given the upcoming practice sessions, the Pennsylvania-born chose not to attend the celebrations. Whereas during the 2022 season, when Staley once again propelled her team to the National Championship, she, reportedly, couldn’t work out a time with the Presidential mansion for her visit. However, this time, the Gamecocks had a clean sweep and made it in time to the White House.

The Gamecocks had an exceptional 38-0 tally, which made them just the fifth women’s basketball NCAA program to have an undefeated streak. This came after Staley had lost all of her starting five from the 2023 season, making it all the more extraordinary. Their tourney started with defeating the Presbyterian in round one and ended with clinching the Championship title by decimating the Iowa Hawkeyes, a team that was the runner-up last season as well. Staley’s masterclass in controlling Caitlin Clark was applauded by fans, considering the 22-year-old could have played spoilsport to the Gamecocks’ plans. As a result, the Hall of Famer coach received a dignified celebration.

Dawn Staley and Joe Biden light up the moments

Taking note of the fact that Staley built a team out of nothing this season, she was asked the key to it. The 3x NCAA Championship-winning coach joked if it was a “real question” before concluding that “the key is building incredible habits and sticking to your habits.” Biden was also presented with a custom #46 South Carolina women’s basketball jersey as the President praised Staley for playing a major role in their victory.

“I know why you’re so good, you’ve got a girl from Philly running this team,” Biden complimented Staley while divulging that he had “married a Philly girl,” and people don’t “screw around the Philly girl.” Looks like Staley is getting the recognition she deserves.

Hopefully, now that Staley has made her first visit to the White House, she will be content. In the meantime, her Gamecocks stars can bask in the glory of having an exemplary season that will be remembered for years to come.