Dawn Staley’s Priceless Reaction to Cori Close's Pregame Hug Caught on Video

Let's just say South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley had better luck with handshakes in the national championship game. The 2017 NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship game was a thrilling and intense battle between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Both teams fought hard and gave it their all, but in the end, it was the Gamecocks who emerged victorious, claiming their first ever national title. As the final buzzer sounded and the confetti rained down on the court, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley could not contain her excitement. She hugged her players, high-fived her coaching staff, and then turned to shake hands with the opposing team's coach, Vic Schaefer. And this is where things took an unexpected turn. In a moment that has since gone viral, Coach Staley extended her hand to Coach Schaefer, but he seemed to ignore her and walk away. It was a surprising and awkward moment, especially considering the sportsmanship and camaraderie that is usually displayed between coaches after a hard-fought game. But let's not dwell on this one moment. Instead, let's focus on the bigger picture and the incredible journey that led Coach Staley and her team to this historic victory. Dawn Staley is no stranger to success. As a player, she was a three-time Olympic gold medalist and a six-time WNBA All-Star. She then transitioned into coaching, leading the Temple Owls to six NCAA tournament appearances before taking over the reins at South Carolina in 2008. In her nine years at the helm, Coach Staley has transformed the Gamecocks into a powerhouse program. She has led them to four SEC regular season titles, three SEC tournament titles, and now, their first national championship. But it hasn't been an easy road. In her first few years at South Carolina, Coach Staley faced numerous challenges, including a losing record and a lack of support from the fans. But she never wavered in her determination to build a winning program. She recruited top talent, instilled a strong work ethic, and created a winning culture within the team. And it all paid off in the 2017 season. The Gamecocks had an impressive record of 33-4, with key wins over top-ranked teams like UConn and Mississippi State. But it wasn't just their on-court performance that made them stand out. It was their resilience, their teamwork, and their unwavering belief in their coach and each other. Coach Staley's leadership and coaching style have been praised by her players and colleagues alike. She is known for her tough love approach, pushing her players to be their best both on and off the court. She has also been a vocal advocate for women's basketball and has used her platform to bring attention to important issues such as gender equality and social justice. So, as we reflect on the national championship game and that awkward handshake moment, let's not forget the bigger picture. Let's celebrate the incredible achievement of Coach Staley and her team, and the impact she has had on the game of women's basketball. Coach Staley may have had better luck with handshakes in the national championship game, but she has had an even greater impact on the lives of her players and the sport as a whole. She is a true role model and an inspiration to all, and her success is a testament to hard work, determination, and never giving up on your dreams. Congratulations to Coach Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks on their well-deserved national championship. And let's all remember to shake hands with grace and sportsmanship, no matter the outcome of the game.