The South Carolina’s victory over Maryland in the Sweet 16, head coach Dawn Staley made it clear that she had no complaints about the officiating. While referees often face scrutiny in high-stakes tournament games, Staley took a different approach, defending the officials and dismissing any controversy regarding their calls.
After the Gamecocks secured their spot in the Elite Eight, questions arose about how the game was officiated. However, Staley quickly shut down any criticism, stating that she had no issues with how the referees handled the contest. She emphasized that officiating is a challenging job and that, in her view, the calls were fair and did not impact the outcome of the game.
Rather than focusing on any perceived missed calls, Staley highlighted her team’s performance and resilience. She credited her players for executing their game plan and maintaining their composure, regardless of how the game was officiated. For her, the focus was on celebrating the win and preparing for the next challenge, not dwelling on officiating decisions.
Her defense of the referees also reflected her broader philosophy—she has consistently preached accountability and adaptability to her team. Staley believes that great teams adjust to any circumstances, including officiating, and do not allow external factors to dictate their success.
By standing by the officials, Staley sent a strong message: South Carolina’s success is built on preparation, execution, and mental toughness, not on complaints about refereeing. With this mindset, the Gamecocks remain focused on their ultimate goal—winning a championship.
