South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley knows to give credit when it is due. And after their title showdown with the Iowa Hawkeyes, she knew Caitlin Clark deserves her flowers . In a beautiful message for Clark after the game, Staley made sure to show her appreciation for the Iowa Hawkeyes superstar. Dawn Staley ’s Powerful GOAT Message for Caitlin Clark In her speech on the floor following their title win to complete an undefeated season, Staley called Clark “one of the GOATs” of the game. She also acknowledged the massive impact the Hawkeyes star had on growing women’s basketball. “I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport. She carried a heavy load for our sport… You are one of the GOATs of our games and we appreciate you,” Staley said of Clark. For what it’s worth, Staley’s praise of Clark came after the South Carolina coach agreed with Breanna Stewart and said that a player needs to win a national title to be in the conversation as GOAT. While Clark failed to win one for Iowa, Staley certainly couldn’t overlook her greatness and what she has accomplished in the sport. Not only is she the NCAA all-time scoring leader regardless of gender, but she also brought plenty of attention to women’s college hoops, thereby creating more opportunities for players. Without Clark, it’s unknown if women’s college
basketball would even enjoy the popularity it’s having today. Caitlin Clark Reacts To Dawn Staley’s Message Upon hearing Dawn Staley’s massive praise for her, Caitlin Clark couldn’t help but be appreciative and thankful of it. After all, Staley is one of the best coaches in the game today, and so for her to call Clark a GOAT speaks volumes of the influence she has had. The Iowa Hawkeyes guard called it “special” before sharing her respect and admiration for Staley. “Anytime Coach Staley is able to recognize you and what you did for the game is pretty special,” Clark said. “Obviously she’s somebody I respect so much, I respect what she’s done for South Carolina. I respect what she did as a player for our game. Anytime you can get the praises of her it’s pretty special so it means a lot.” Clearly, there is so much love and respect between Staley and Clark. While there are competitors and one just broke the heart of the other, it’s hard not to recognize and acknowledge the greatness they showed out there. While Clark didn’t win the title, her basketball journey is just really getting started. She’s headed to the WNBA next, and there are bigger hopes for her as she enters the pro. This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.