All photos by Dawn Hunter.

A vibrant parade featuring over 60 vehicles and floats celebrated the achievements of Coach Dawn Staley and the USC women's basketball team, with the participation of present and past players, local enterprises, and esteemed university and community figures. The State House celebration was highlighted by moving speeches from Staley, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann of Columbia, Congressman Jim Clyburn, USC's President Harris Pastides, and Athletic Director Ray Tanner. Clyburn's poignant words, “You didn't just clinch the national title, you seized the country's hearts,” encapsulated the event's spirit. In honor of the championship, Rickenmann bestowed upon Staley the city's key, declaring April as the "national championship month," while Tanner extolled Staley as the “greatest coach of all time.” The parade was graced by the presence of the entire Gamecock team, excluding star player Destanni Henderson, who was committed to the Indiana Fever of the WNBA but received a warm applause during the team introduction. Staley honored senior starters Victoria Saxton and Brea Beal with special mementos from the devoted Gamecock "FAMs", appreciating their often overlooked contributions. The event concluded with the Consensus National Player of the Year, Aliyah Boston, expressing gratitude to the crowd as thousands of fans reveled in the joyous occasion.