South Carolina coach Dawn Staley sends prayers on the death of a Gamecocks fan

South Carolina Dawn Staley sent her condolences to a fan on Thursday after they tweeted that they lost their brother, a Gamecocks fan. In the original tweet, the fan (@USCJan) revealed that their brother watched Staley's team from South Bend, Indiana, and added that they would watch South Carolina's tipoff against the Missouri Tigers in his memory.

Staley then replied to the tweet:

"Prayers to you and your family, Jan! We are with you during this time!"

The second-ranked Gamecocks (12-1) opened Southeastern Conference play with their first game of the new year on Thursday at Missouri (11-4).

South Carolina enjoyed an incredible run last season, winning the NCAA championship undefeated. Dawn Staley spoke about it in a New Year's Day special message to fans via WIS 10 News.

"We enjoy our incredible season. Last year, it surely was an uncommon favorite for us all," Staley said. "We are an uncommon team. We have uncommon fams. We have uncommon coverage. It's not like that everywhere you go across this country, especially when it comes to women's basketball. But you make us special."

Repeating last season's undefeated run is no longer possible, and there are challenges ahead. Seven other SEC teams are ranked. But South Carolina, which is 4-1 against ranked teams this season, is chasing its fourth NCAA title under Staley.

"If we can repeat the energy and effort that went into us having the type of perfect season, although we don't have a perfect record, that doesn't mean it won't be a perfect season for us," Staley said. "So, thank you for your continued support and love.

"We pour that right back at you we hope that everyone has a prosperous and a Gamecock-filled 2025. Go Gamecocks!"

---

Dawn Staley's South Carolina remains a favorite to win the title

Dawn Staley and her team began the season on a great note, continuing their winning ways from last season. However, South Carolina first stumbled against the then-No. 5 UCLA Bruins in November, losing 77-62.

It became apparent that not having a traditional center was affecting the Gamecocks' strategy. They are yet to find an experienced replacement for Kamilla Cardoso, who anchored the team for three years before leaving for the WNBA. Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin have shown signs of improvement but are yet to fully take over the spot that the Chicago Sky center enjoyed.

Despite all this, South Carolina remains the favorite to win the national championship, as fans and analysts know the Gamecocks will be formidable once the postseason run begins.