COLUMBIA, S.C. — The City of Columbia celebrated the South Carolina Gamecocks' championship victory with a parade through town and a special event at the S.C. State House on Wednesday where massive crowds gathered to honor the team.
The event has been in the works since the team won the women's basketball national title. The parade down Main Street in the heart of Columbia was lined throughout with fans who came just to cheer on their home team one more time.
Of course, the players were part of the parade, many riding in the back of convertibles and taking pictures with fans. But there were also dignitaries, other officials, and law enforcement who took part in the celebratory ride through the state capital.
And it all culminated with speeches in front of the statehouse and surprise honors for a powerhouse team whose journey has captured hearts across South Carolina and the nation.
Among them was Rep. Jim Clyburn who not only had their win recorded in the congressional record but also invited the team to the White House to meet President Joe Biden.
Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann also presented Coach Dawn Staley with a key to the city for her accomplishments.
USC defeated UConn 64-49 on April 3 in Minneapolis to win the national title. It's the second championship in program history to go along with the one they earned in 2017.
South Carolina Gamecocks star Aliyah Boston was named Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
On the following Monday, a victory celebration was held outside the Colonial Life Arena after the team returned from Minnesota.
South Carolina lawmakers honored the team with a standing ovation and resolutions Wednesday afternoon. In the South Carolina House, lawmakers waiting for the team lined the main aisle and started a “Game: Cock" chant. As the team, coaches, and support staff walked in, the techno song "Sandstorm” boomed.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster also proclaimed April as NCAA Women's Basketball National Champions Month in their honor.