Written by South Carolina Athletics student assistant Rebecca Duensing
On Monday night's "Inside the Roost" radio show Athletics Director Eric Hyman, Women's Basketball Head Coach Dawn Staley and host Derek Scott previewed the upcoming basketball season.
Though the fall has flown by and it might seem a bit early to be talking hoops, with a new rule implemented by the NCAA last year, teams can now start practice forty days before their first game (with 30 total practices allowed). The team began practice last Monday, October 3. Coach Staley said that the change is a welcome one for both the coaches and the players who "were chomping at the bit to get the season started."
The Time is Now:
The program has added several new faces but still maintains strong senior leadership. Staley believes that the senior leadership allows the younger players a chance to grow off the court and because of that relationship, things "on the court are moving a lot smoother and we're much further along than we've ever been in our program."
At the Auburn game, as part of the new "Celebrity Starters" campaign, Staley took the field to lead the "GAME.....COCKS" cheer. Hyman joked about how difficult it was to convince Staley to step out in front of 80,000. Once out there, however, Staley got "so involved and so into it," said Hyman. Her reaction? Staley said it was pretty easy getting the stadium pumped up - "when 80,000 plus are on their feet, clapping, it makes you feel good...it was exhilarating." So exhilarating that she felt tempted to put shoulder pads and a helmet on! When asked what position she'd play, Staley didn't hesitate to say "safety...because of my aggression."
Not only did Staley take center stage, but the entire Women's Basketball team was recognized during the game and also made an appearance at Gamecock Village prior to kick-off. Scott pointed out that the program is generating more visibility and awareness and Staley agreed that the program has really progressed and they're looking forward to fans coming out. She also said that she believes the program has "all the right pieces in all the right places," and hopes to take the team to the NCAA tournament.
Hyman, who has attended a few practices, agreed that "we're much better than we've been...we have a lot of potential." Staley encourages fans to stop by any of the team's practices; she feels that the team plays better when people other than the coaches are there. She also said that having fans attend "would bring some energy to our practices."
Women's Basketball faced several obstacles last year, but Staley is proud of her players for not faltering and showing how resilient they are and doesn't think it's going to stop this year. Hyman and Staley both agree that there is "something pretty special going on here at the university," and Staley is ready to "see our girls take off and do something that people aren't expecting."
Make sure to catch "Inside the Roost" every Monday night from 7:00-8:00 p.m. on 107.5 The Game for weekly insight into Gamecock Athletics with Derek Scott and AD Eric Hyman along with weekly guests.
On Monday night's "Inside the Roost" radio show Athletics Director Eric Hyman, Women's Basketball Head Coach Dawn Staley and host Derek Scott previewed the upcoming basketball season.
Though the fall has flown by and it might seem a bit early to be talking hoops, with a new rule implemented by the NCAA last year, teams can now start practice forty days before their first game (with 30 total practices allowed). The team began practice last Monday, October 3. Coach Staley said that the change is a welcome one for both the coaches and the players who "were chomping at the bit to get the season started."
The Time is Now:
The program has added several new faces but still maintains strong senior leadership. Staley believes that the senior leadership allows the younger players a chance to grow off the court and because of that relationship, things "on the court are moving a lot smoother and we're much further along than we've ever been in our program."
At the Auburn game, as part of the new "Celebrity Starters" campaign, Staley took the field to lead the "GAME.....COCKS" cheer. Hyman joked about how difficult it was to convince Staley to step out in front of 80,000. Once out there, however, Staley got "so involved and so into it," said Hyman. Her reaction? Staley said it was pretty easy getting the stadium pumped up - "when 80,000 plus are on their feet, clapping, it makes you feel good...it was exhilarating." So exhilarating that she felt tempted to put shoulder pads and a helmet on! When asked what position she'd play, Staley didn't hesitate to say "safety...because of my aggression."Not only did Staley take center stage, but the entire Women's Basketball team was recognized during the game and also made an appearance at Gamecock Village prior to kick-off. Scott pointed out that the program is generating more visibility and awareness and Staley agreed that the program has really progressed and they're looking forward to fans coming out. She also said that she believes the program has "all the right pieces in all the right places," and hopes to take the team to the NCAA tournament.
Hyman, who has attended a few practices, agreed that "we're much better than we've been...we have a lot of potential." Staley encourages fans to stop by any of the team's practices; she feels that the team plays better when people other than the coaches are there. She also said that having fans attend "would bring some energy to our practices."
Women's Basketball faced several obstacles last year, but Staley is proud of her players for not faltering and showing how resilient they are and doesn't think it's going to stop this year. Hyman and Staley both agree that there is "something pretty special going on here at the university," and Staley is ready to "see our girls take off and do something that people aren't expecting."
Make sure to catch "Inside the Roost" every Monday night from 7:00-8:00 p.m. on 107.5 The Game for weekly insight into Gamecock Athletics with Derek Scott and AD Eric Hyman along with weekly guests.
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