South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley believes that college bands across the nation don’t always receive the recognition they deserve. However, that isn’t the case at the University of South Carolina.
A prime example of this was on display after the Gamecocks secured a hard-fought 54-50 victory over Duke, earning their fifth consecutive trip to the Final Four. As soon as the game ended, Staley made her way toward the Carolina Band’s section, showing her appreciation before handling her usual postgame responsibilities.
She warmly embraced band director Quintus Wrighten, exchanged high-fives with about a dozen band members in the front rows, and then paused to take a group photo with them.
Staley later emphasized the crucial role the band plays in energizing the crowd and contributing to the electric atmosphere during games. Their presence, she noted, is an essential part of what makes the home-court environment so special.
Her gesture was just another example of how she values every component of the Gamecocks’ success—not just the players and coaches but also the fans, staff, and even the band, which helps create an unforgettable game-day experience.
For Staley, the Carolina Band is more than just background music; they are an integral part of the team’s journey, helping fuel the excitement and intensity of each contest. By taking the time to acknowledge their efforts, she made it clear that their contributions do not go unnoticed.
