South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley is no stranger to fan interactions. Typically, she’s asked to pose for photos, sign jerseys, or autograph basketballs for dedicated Gamecocks supporters. But Sunday night brought an entirely different—and completely unexpected—request that left even the seasoned coach surprised.
Dawn Staley’s Unique Autograph Request
South Carolina punched its ticket to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. Right after that, fans swarmed the court to celebrate the Gamecocks’ latest triumph. But one moment stood out above the rest. A devoted Gamecocks fan handed Staley a permanent marker and asked her to autograph their baby.
Dawn Staley signs a baby 🍼❤️
Gamecocks Class of 2043 #MarchMadness x @GamecockWBB pic.twitter.com/3Ol5RbZmTh
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) March 30, 2025
Without hesitation but with a steady hand, Staley carefully signed the child’s bottom, marking a moment she wouldn’t soon forget. Well, can we call it a bum-bastic sign?
When speaking to reporters after the game, Staley admitted she was nervous while signing.
“My hand was shaking the entire time,” she said, laughing about the experience.
“That was a first for me.” The unusual request quickly went viral, as videos of the interaction spread across social media, adding to the already electric atmosphere surrounding South Carolina’s return to the Final Four.
South Carolina’s Path to the Final Four
South Carolina’s 54-50 victory over No. 2 seed Duke in the Elite Eight was yet another testament to the Gamecocks’ dominance under Staley.
The win secured the program’s fifth consecutive Final Four appearance and the seventh in school history—all of which have come during Staley’s tenure. The Gamecocks have been a powerhouse in the NCAA Tournament, winning 20 of their last 21 games over the past four seasons.
Now, South Carolina will have to wait to see whom they will face next, as No. 1 seed Texas and No. 2 seed TCU are set to battle on Monday in the Elite Eight. Regardless of the opponent, the Gamecocks have their sights set on becoming the first program since UConn to win back-to-back national championships.
Sunday’s victory over Duke was a hard-fought battle, with South Carolina leaning on its depth and resilience to pull through. Chloe Kitts led the way with 14 points, while Sania Feagin contributed 12, providing the offensive spark the team needed in a defensive showdown.
With 34 wins on the season, South Carolina remains one of the most dominant teams in the country. As the team awaits its next opponent, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Staley can lead them to yet another championship.
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