South Carolina looks to repeat history in Elite Eight matchup

In a memorable moment on a March afternoon in 2015, South Carolina found itself cutting down the nets at First Horizon Coliseum—then known as the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. That win marked the program’s first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four.

Reflecting on that historic achievement, Dawn Staley expressed the significance of the moment, especially with the enthusiastic crowd supporting them in Greensboro. “It was rocking and rolling in there,” said Khadijah Sessions, the starting point guard during that game. “It was just an unbelievable feeling because we all believed before that game that we could win and do something historic.”

Now serving as an assistant on Staley’s staff, Sessions remembers that 2015 trip fondly as the beginning of a transformative era for the program. Staley described that first Final Four experience as one of the best she’s ever had, adding, “It opens your eyes to really not wanting to go to the Final Four unless you’re participating in it. Because it’s that much fun and that much, just, competitiveness and excitement.”

Sessions agreed, saying, “The only time I’ve been to the Final Four outside of me going as a player was when we won our first national championship in 2017. I wouldn’t go just because I don’t see a point in going if your team isn’t there. So, she’s right.”

Now, 10 years later, and with three national championships under their belt, the Gamecocks are once again one win away from another Final Four appearance. “It’s like history is repeating itself,” Sessions reflected. “It’s the coolest feeling to get to try to do it again, but win it this time.”

Since that pivotal trip in 2015, South Carolina has secured three national titles and made five more appearances on the sport’s biggest stage. For Sessions, the 2015 Final Four was the beginning of what has become a dynasty.

“When we did it, it was just an unbelievable feeling,” Sessions recalled. “And once coach got that feeling, I know players wanted to come play for her, wanted to get to the Final Four. That’s what made this a powerhouse once we did that.”

Looking back, Staley expressed gratitude for experiencing that initial trip and all the subsequent ones. “I’m glad that we’ve experienced that, I think, five other times since then,” she said. “It’s cool. So we’ll be great and honored to represent women’s basketball in Tampa.”