South Carolina's Dawn Staley praises Caitlin Clark after national championship win: 'You are one of the GOATs'

On April 3, 2023, the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, led by head coach Dawn Staley, secured their third National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Women's Basketball Championship title in program history. Following their victory against the Indiana Hoosiers with a score of 62-50, Staley took a moment during her post-game interview to acknowledge and praise Iowa Hawkeyes standout guard Caitlin Clark.

During her interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe, Staley expressed her admiration and appreciation for Clark's impact on women's basketball. "Caitlin Clark, you are one of the greatest of all time," Staley said. "She's lifted up our sport. She's brought attention to our sport. She's brought excitement to our sport. And I just want to say thank you."

Caitlin Clark, a sophomore from West Des Moines, Iowa, had an impressive performance during the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. She averaged 27.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game throughout the tournament. Her impressive play earned her the Most Outstanding Player award.

Clark led the Hawkeyes to their first-ever Final Four appearance and became the first player in NCAA history to record a triple-double in the tournament. She achieved this feat in the Elite Eight game against LSU with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists.

Staley's recognition of Clark's impact on women's basketball is noteworthy. The sport has been growing in popularity in recent years, with record-breaking television viewership and increased media coverage. The presence of talented players like Clark, who can captivate audiences with their skill and charisma, has contributed significantly to this growth.

Clark's impact extends beyond her on-court performance. She has also been an advocate for women's basketball and has used her platform to raise awareness about the sport. In an interview with The Des Moines Register, she expressed her desire to see women's basketball receive more recognition and support. "I want to be a voice for women's basketball," she said. "I want to be a voice for the next generation."

Staley's praise of Clark as one of the greatest of all time is a testament to her impact on the game. Her performances during the tournament and her advocacy for women's basketball have undoubtedly lifted up the sport and brought excitement and attention to it. As women's basketball continues to grow in popularity, players like Clark will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping its future.