Why Dawn Staley Consistently Shows Appreciation for South Carolina’s Basketball Band

Live from Birmingham, Ala. – South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley took a moment before Sunday’s Sweet 16 trophy presentation to express her gratitude for a key part of the Gamecocks’ home court experience: the Carolina Basketball Band.

Staley, whose team had just secured a spot in their fifth consecutive Final Four after eliminating No. 2 Duke, made sure to visit the band and its director, Quintus F. Wrighten Jr., a former South Carolina band member himself. As confetti rained down on the court, Staley embraced Wrighten and moved down the barricades, shaking hands with several band members and even taking a photo with them.

“I just want them to feel a part of it,” Staley shared, emphasizing the integral role the band plays in creating the game day atmosphere. “They really are a part of the atmosphere that’s created in the gym. They are injecting energy.”

Quintus F. Wrighten Jr. reflected on Staley’s consistent appreciation throughout the season. “She expresses her appreciation throughout the entire season,” Wrighten said, adding that the moment felt even more special this time around.

Wrighten has a personal connection to both the team and the band. As a senior trumpet player at South Carolina two decades ago, he was part of the band when the Gamecocks made two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a spot in the Elite Eight in 2002. He noted the difference in support for the band between then and now. “There’s always been support for sure,” Wrighten said, but Staley’s vocal and overt recognition stands out. “Coach Staley’s support is so overt and so vocal and that’s wonderful.”

The band’s role goes beyond just playing music. They maintain an unwavering presence, creating a rhythm that helps the players stay focused no matter the circumstances. “They’re playing their songs no matter what we’re doing, no matter how locked in we are,” Staley said, acknowledging their importance in maintaining the energy of the game. “It feels familiar, so when they’re able to give us (that), you can lock in to what needs to happen on the floor.”

The Carolina Basketball Band has also become known for their energetic chants, especially during moments of tension. At the Sweet 16, the band led the crowd in chants like “Walk! You walked! Cheater! You cheated! Respect the game! Respect It!” whenever an opponent was called for a travel violation. Wrighten reflected on how the band’s cheers have evolved, mentioning the iconic “Walk! You walked!” as his favorite.

They also kept the crowd informed about fouls, often outshouting the public address announcer, and loudly cheered “1, 2, 3, 4, 5! You’re gone! Bye, bye!” whenever a player reached five fouls, including two Maryland Terrapins in the Sweet 16.

Wrighten noted the growth of both the team and the fan support during his time with the band. “When I was in the band and playing in Colonial Life Arena, we didn’t have the crowd following for the team that we do now,” he said. The current appreciation for the band is a testament to how far the program has come under Staley’s leadership.

Looking ahead, both the band and Staley are preparing for the next big step: the Final Four in Tampa. “Some of them have been with us over the past four years,” Staley said, acknowledging the loyalty of the band members. “So they’re going to their fourth Final Four.”

The Gamecocks will take on Texas in the Final Four on Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m. ET at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. Fans can watch the game live on ESPN or stream it via Fubo.

Stay tuned for more updates on the South Carolina women’s basketball team as they head toward their fourth consecutive Final Four appearance.