LOS ANGELES, CALIF. – The 2023-24 South Carolina women’s basketball team and head coach Dawn Staley were honored tonight at The 2024 ESPYS in Los Angeles. The Gamecocks won the ESPY for Best Team, while Staley received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance during the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre, which aired live on ABC.
The Gamecocks became the 10th team in NCAA history to complete an undefeated National Championship season in 2023-24, also adding the program’s eighth SEC Regular-Season Championship and eighth SEC Tournament title. South Carolina, which lost all five starters from its 2023 NCAA Final Four team that went 36-1, led the nation in scoring defense, scoring margin and blocked shots per game, and set program records for scoring average, scoring margin, field goals made, 3-point field goals made, defensive rebounds and assists.
Staley was recognized not only for her resilience on the court, as she led a young team to a perfect 38-0 championship season by advancing women’s sports and equality in the sports world, but also for her active role in the fight against cancer. With both her sister, Tracey Underwood, and her friend and former assistant coach Nikki McCray-Penson both diagnosed with cancer in recent years, Staley became a prominent figure in advocating for cancer research. She has partnered with organizations to mobilize potential bone marrow donors—particularly those in the Black community—to register with the National Marrow Donor Program (formerly Be the Match). She has used her platform to advocate for patient care, research and resources. Through her partnership with Aflac, she has visited and supported those undergoing treatment. Additionally, Staley has been a vocal advocate for gender equality and diversity in sports, particularly basketball.
Stay tuned to GamecocksOnline.com and the team’s social media accounts (@GamecockWBB) for the most up-to-date information on the South Carolina women’s basketball team.