Texas Longhorns women’s basketball head coach Vic Schaefer recently made a bold and heartfelt statement about South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley and her top-ranked Gamecocks, recognizing their excellence and resilience in the face of doubt. Speaking candidly, Schaefer praised Staley for proving critics wrong and establishing South Carolina as a dominant force in women’s college basketball. His remarks came after yet another standout performance from the Gamecocks, who have remained undefeated and continue to silence those who underestimated them.
“They said she couldn’t do it. They doubted her team. And she’s shown them they’re not right,” Schaefer stated, highlighting how Staley has repeatedly led her team to the top despite public skepticism and pressure. What makes the Gamecocks’ success even more impressive, according to Schaefer, is their ability to maintain composure, discipline, and an elite level of performance, regardless of the opponent or circumstance.
Schaefer, who has coached against Staley on multiple occasions, acknowledged the challenge of facing her squad. He emphasized that the consistency and culture South Carolina has built is no accident—it’s the product of strong leadership, strategic recruiting, and a clear sense of purpose. Under Staley’s guidance, South Carolina has become the gold standard in the sport, and even rival coaches can’t help but respect it.
The statement from Schaefer not only reflects the impact of Staley’s work but also serves as a nod to the changing landscape of women’s college basketball, where powerful programs like South Carolina are setting new expectations and raising the bar for all competitors.
