Cameras Caught Dawn Staley’s Emotional Backstage Moment With Tessa Johnson Before National Title Game

NCAA March Madness concluded with a brand-new champion on the stage. Cori Close and co lifted the trophy while the Gamecocks left empty-handed in the season after losses in two finals. Dawn Staley predicted a championship following a loss in the conference tournament finals, but the commanding performance from the Bruins left them no chance of even a fightback in the faceoff.

Devastated by the loss, Tessa Johnson was alone backstage, and the coach understood her responsibility as she tried to cheer up the young star.

Dawn Staley Tries To Encourage Tessa Johnson

After a dominating win over defending champions, a loss in the finals was a hard pill to swallow for the 2024 champions. Team’s performance upset the top scorer, Tessa Johnson, after 29% shooting from the field and fell flat in the most important game of the season.

Cameras caught Dawn Staley approaching her junior and trying to cheer her up. Johnson had a smile on her face following the small talk.

Dawn Staley shares a moment with Tessa Johnson ahead of the national championship 🤍 pic.twitter.com/xq78zfOW53

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 5, 2026

The duo will have one more chance to win the title, as Gamecocks will welcome injured Chloe Kitts, Madina Okot, and Joyce Edwards next season, forming another contender.

---

But even after the defeat, the press conference was very cordial and healthy, with the South Carolina coach praising her counterpart.

Dawn Staley Heaps Praise On Cori Close

The UCLA Bruins kept the game clean and did everything right to clinch the first-ever title. While it was one of the sweetest feelings for the UCLA side, the defeated coach added more joy, praising them for their efforts and game.

In the post-game interview, Staley said, “I’m always happy for people who have worked hard in this game [and] who are really quality people. I want good things to happen for them, and Cori is one of those people who really works at making our game better. Not just UCLA, but our entire game.”

“I can swallow [the loss] because we lost to a really good human being and a good team that represents women’s basketball well.”

Nothing but respect between Dawn Staley and Cori Close ❤️ pic.twitter.com/f7dSSv8sZ3

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 6, 2026

“Although we didn’t win, I can swallow it because we lost to a really good human being and a good team that represents women’s basketball well,” Staley concluded.

While fans would understand the initial statements, the closing sentences were an indirect shot at UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma following the infamous Staley-Auriemma altercation two nights earlier.