Carolina Band and Fans Rally Behind USC WBB in Pursuit of Final Four

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – The South Carolina women’s basketball team will advance to the Final Four following their victory over Duke with a score of 54-50. Their clash during the Elite Eight on Sunday evening .

As Dawn Staley and her squad head towards Tampa to face the winner of the Texas/TCU match scheduled for Monday, it's crucial to acknowledge all the different groups of supporters who have been backing them throughout their journey.

Highlighting the Highlighters

Although they're not officially included in the team roster, the Highlighters are certainly considered part of the squad.

At the University of South Carolina, highlighters are typical students who respond to the opportunity to act as practice players for the Gamecock women’s basketball team.

Even though they aren’t scholarship athletes, they dedicate themselves significantly to the program by organizing their timetables to accommodate the team’s demanding practice schedule.

Coach Staley frequently discusses how her experiences on the basketball court shaped her, particularly playing against boys in Philadelphia. Competing against larger and stronger opponents instilled an unwavering belief in her abilities whenever she took the floor to face female players.

That's the type of assurance she aims to impart to her players as a Highlighter now, ensuring they become seasoned enough for the most critical matches.

As the Gamecocks reach their fifth consecutive Final Four, it's evident that the Highlighters are motivating the squad to excel, with Coach Staley ensuring that everyone shares in the team’s achievements.

The athletes who are seniors receive recognition during senior night at the conclusion of every regular season and accompany the team throughout the postseason.

You won't overlook them in the crowd wearing those bright neon shirts, cheering wildly whenever the team sinks a basket or makes a significant defensive play.

Should the Gamecocks clinch another national title, the standout moment for the practice team throughout the year would undoubtedly be wearing their hard-earned championship rings.

Strike up the band

They consistently aid the Gamecocks in finding their rhythm, and following significant victories, Coach Dawn Staley never fails to acknowledge the Carolina Band’s support.

Staley frequently discusses how the group doesn’t receive sufficient recognition for infusing vitality into the venue and performing just the right tunes to assist the squad in feeling at ease and establishing their groove, particularly during away games.

Last year, Staley contributed generously with a donation of $25,000, which enabled the Carolina Band to journey to New York City. to make their debut appearance in the renowned Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade .

She demonstrates affection through small gestures with significant effects, such as baking homemade cookies for journeys.

Quintus Wrighten, who serves as the associate director of athletic bands at USC and also co-directs the basketball bands, mentions that when Coach Staley is giving out high-fives and acknowledging the band members with shout-outs, it leaves no question that they are integral parts of the team.

I genuinely appreciate these moments," Staley stated following South Carolina’s victory over Duke. "Many of them have been with us for the last four years and are making their fourth trip to the Final Four. Therefore, I want them to feel like an integral part of this achievement.

Cheers! Coach Staley signs a baby's bottom.

Coach Dawn Staley has signed numerous rally towels, shirts, jackets, and shoes. However, she had an unforgettable experience following the significant victory against Duke when she was asked to sign a baby's bottom instead.

Judi Gatson managed to capture the sweet scene and discovered that the family had journeyed all the way from Mississippi just to support the Gamecocks in Birmingham.

It turns out tiny Joi'Michelle has the same middle name as Dawn Staley. There’s no doubt about it; they will always have this unique connection.

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