How about that incredible performance from the University of South Carolina’s Lady Gamecocks Basketball team! It is a privilege to have such a talented and hardworking women’s basketball team, right here in our back yard. Five to ten years ago I rarely watched women’s basketball, but now I look forward to cheering them on with every single game. I think the growth and popularity of women’s basketball has been astronomical in recent years and I find myself being interested in other well-known women’s teams as well. I proudly know the names of all the players on the key teams and I am not alone. This past weekend’s Women’s National Championship featured the women’s game having more TV viewers than the Men’s game! I certainly give the rise in the interest in women’s basketball to superstars like Caitlin Clark, but I think most of the heightened interest comes from our Gamecocks Head Coach, Dawn Staley and her magnificent 2023-2024 team. I was so excited to see the Gamecocks win the National title and regret that I will be unable to celebrate with the team this coming Sunday when my beloved Columbia has a parade down Main Street in their honor.

Next year looks exceedingly bright with the incoming players, including this past year’s freshman, Tessa Johnson and MiLaysia Fulwiley, and I am ready for the upcoming season to start right now! Go Gamecocks!

We’re here for the people of South Carolina!