When the final buzzer sounded at the NCAA women’s basketball championship last Sunday, the University of South Carolina and head coach Dawn Staley had won their third title, defeating the University of Iowa 87–75. Kamilla Cardoso was named Most Outstanding Player. All the SC Gamecocks played unselfish basketball that reached a new level of intensity to complete an undefeated 38–0 season. An emotional Staley gave credit to God and expressed pride in her players.
“Now you’re putting your stamp on a legendary coaching career,” said two-time NCAA Champion Sue Bird, who hosts a deliciously spicy alternate broadcast for ESPN with former University of Connecticut teammate, USA Basketball, and overseas teammate Diana Taurasi; the game is shown while they share stories with guests and give their insiders’ perspective.
Bird and Taurasi’s presence as champions, elder stateswomen (Bird retired after the 2022 WNBA season, though Taurasi is still playing), and lovers of the game is testament to the rising popularity of women’s sports in general, and women’s basketball in particular.
On Sunday afternoon, they opened “The Bird and Taurasi Show” joined by former sports broadcaster and now “Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts. While Iowa got off to a hot start, the three took stock of recent events. On Friday night, 14.2 million people had tuned in to watch Iowa defeat Connecticut for their spot in the championship game. In the earlier semifinal, South Carolina trounced NC State. The cold open of Saturday Night Live featured depictions of male broadcasters waxing poetic, albeit comedically, about the excitement around the women’s game.
“You want the next generation to have things you didn’t have,” said Taurasi of the incredible attention and monetary rewards today’s college players experience. Roberts thanked them for helping to grow the game.
“We all did,” said Bird to Roberts.
During the trophy presentation, Staley offered a heartfelt tribute. “I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport,” she said. Indeed, Clark has been an incredible and poised driving force throughout the season. Next up for her is the upcoming WNBA Draft on April 15.
In the other post-season tournaments, Illinois was crowned champion of the inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT), and St. Louis won the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT). Among the festivities at the NCAA Final Four, Unique Drake of St. John’s was named MVP of the Women’s College Senior All-Star Game after scoring 27 points. Drake has declared for the upcoming WNBA Draft, and that performance no doubt raised her stock.