Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks played the TCU Horned Frogs in the Elite Eight matchup today. The Gamecocks registered an easy 78-52 win over TCU and advanced to the Final Four round of the NCAA Tournament.
They will play the UConn Huskies in the Final Four on Friday at PHX Arena in Phoenix. This will be South Carolina’s sixth consecutive Final Four appearance. Players who have been on the roster for the last few years know what that level of competition feels like.
However, there are also new players on the team who joined last year or transferred from another program. Some of them are experiencing this part of the season for the first time. Ta’Niya Latson, who transferred from Florida State last year, is making her first Final Four appearance.
“So blessed and thankful❤️🙏🏾 my first final 4!!!!” she wrote on X.
Latson played for the Florida State Seminoles from 2022 to 2025. While she performed at a high level at Florida State, averaging over 22 points per game, Latson didn’t reach the pinnacle of college basketball.
That became one of her main reasons behind transferring to a program known for collecting trophies. This season has been a completely different experience for her as she got to make her first Sweet 16 appearance.
“It’s the standard. This is something that they’re used to. This is my first Sweet 16, so I’m gonna go home and enjoy myself and have a good time,” Latson said after the Gamecocks beat the USC Trojans to reach the Sweet 16.
Following the 101-61 win over USC, she was asked if these blowout wins had become normal to her and if she cared about them anymore. Latson said that some of the other players who have been on the team might not think it’s a big deal, but for her, it’s a new experience.
Ta’Niya Latson Joined Dawn Staley’s Program to Win
The Gamecocks have been one of the most dominant teams in college basketball in the last decade. Making a trip to the Final Four or winning titles has become normal for them. That’s why it’s a preferred program for talents like Latson.
“I came here to win, and that’s something that we’ve been doing. I mean, this is my first Sweet 16, so I’m super excited. This may be the standard for them, but this is my first one,” she said.
While she’s seeing the Final Four appearance as an accomplishment in itself, Latson would like to end the season with a title.
Read More:
Aliyah Boston Singles Out One Gamecock as Star Performer as Dawn Staley’s Team Reaches Final Four
Madison Booker Draws Kevin Durant Comparison After Impressive Display vs Michigan in Elite Eight
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
