On April 7, 2024, Dawn Staley completed the transformation of a season of supposed rebuilding into a coaching masterclass, completing a perfect 38-0 run and claiming an NCAA tournament championship  with an 87-75 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes.  It made the University of South Carolina only the 10th team in Division I history to complete an undefeated season.

The 2024 campaign was a testament to Staley’s leadership and her ability to inspire a new generation of athletes. After graduating all five starters from the 2023 team, including superstar Aliyah Boston, many expected the program to take a step back. Instead, Staley molded a young and depth-heavy roster into a defensive juggernaut. She described the group as the "unlikeliest" to achieve such a feat, noting that when one door closes, another opens to provide unimaginable success.

On the court, the championship victory was a story of redemption and growth. Sophomore Raven Johnson, who became a symbol of the team's "revenge tour," spearheaded a defensive effort that neutralized the high-scoring attack of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark. After a blistering first quarter from the opposition, Johnson and the Gamecocks' defense tightened, holding the lead for the entirety of the second half. This collective effort underscored Staley’s philosophy of team-first basketball, where the sum proved greater than its individual parts.

Staley’s impact extends far beyond the win-loss column. By securing her third national title in seven tournaments, she joined a short list of only five head coaches to reach that milestone. Her presence a Black woman leading a dominant dynasty provides a blueprint for future coaches and players. Junior Bree Hall reflected the team's confidence under Staley’s guidance, simply stating that the 2024 squad proved they were "unbeatable."

As we honor the contributions of Black icons in sports, Staley’s 2024 season stands as a monumental chapter in that history. With a 109-3 record over the three seasons leading up to that title, Staley did more than just win a trophy; she cemented South Carolina as the newest dynasty in women’s college basketball, ensuring her legacy is etched permanently into the record books.