“I was tired, I look forward to Christmas break”: Dawn Staley makes her feelings clear about South Carolina’s packed schedule

Winning games can be quite rewarding for teams performing at a high level. It can also be taxing, especially for Dawn Staley and the South Carolina women's basketball team.

Staley talked to the media on Friday, going over preparation for their upcoming matchup against South Florida on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET. She also mentioned how fatigued she and the team feel after a busy first month. South Carolina is 9-1 to start the season, but Staley is more than happy to get into the break soon. (Start at 0:47)

"It was taxing. I was tired. I was tired, I look forward to this break. I look forward to our Christmas break, although I know we got a few more games to play, I think our players have really locked in. I know they have to be exhausted, physically, mentally and welcome the break that's coming up, but they still want to approach each game and play to our standards," Staley said.

Dawn Staley had words of praise for two South Carolina players

While No. 3 South Carolina progresses through the remainder of nonconference play, Dawn Staley gave some recognition to MiLaysia Fulwiley and Ashlyn Watkins.

Fulwiley has been a spark plug off the bench for the Gamecocks offense, averaging 10.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists on 42.2% shooting from the field. On the other hand, Watkins is putting up 7.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals on 48.3% shooting overall. They combined for 29 points in the team's dominant victory over No. 9 TCU on Dec. 8. (Start at 3:14)

"They know what they mean to our basketball team. I get on them a lot, but certainly it's high praise for them today because ever since those practices prior to TCU, they've been on point," Staley said about Fulwiley and Watkins. ...

"Sometimes it's slower than we want as coaches, and sometimes we gotta hold some people back. But for those two, I just think that they've responded extremely well with what they were challenged with a week ago."

After Sunday's game against South Florida, Dawn Staley and No. 3 South Carolina will host Charleston Southern at the Colonial Life Arena on Dec. 19 at noon ET.