There were tears of joy for Cori Close and co. who delivered one of the most commanding wins in the NCAA Championship history. Dawn Staley was helpless with her years of experience, three titles and more final four appearances than her opponents. But the game had its moments where the Bruins stepped up and bettered their opponents in every stat.
Caitlin Clark was one who congratulated Cori Close for the championship, understanding the work she put in for the ultimate prize. But the South Carolina coach also showed big heart, giving the winners credit they deserve.
Dawn Staley Shows Respect For Cori Close And Her Champion Team
Till the third quarter, the 51-year-old coach tried everything she could to get her team back in the game and compete for the title, but UCLA’s gameplay didn’t allow any comeback chance for the 2024 champions, who celebrated a memorable win over the contender UConn team.
In the post-game interview, Staley praised the opposition and 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.”
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 6, 2026
Nothing but respect between Dawn Staley and Cori Close ❤️ pic.twitter.com/f7dSSv8sZ3
“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.
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Interestingly, the comments were an indirect jab at UConn’s Coach Geno Auriemma, who had a heated altercation with Staley the night before. Reporters also tried to get the Gamecocks’ coach’s take on the game against the Huskies, but the former WNBA star was focusing on the Bruins’ victory over anything on the night.
Dawn Staley Refuses To Address Geno Auriemma Confrontation
After the heated exchange, Auriemma issued a pubic apoloy fo his behavior. There was no response from Staley on the same, as she already mentioned that she will be focusing on the championship game. But now, after the game, when reporters asked her about contact with Geno Auriemma, she refused to answer.
The South Carolina coach said, “That’s a Geno question…I have not heard from Geno. I don’t know if he texted or not, but, it’s UCLA’s day, right? Let’s keep UCLA, them winning the national championship…I will address all of that at another time.”
Both top coaches in the women’s basketball gave the game so much, and fans want to see them ‘patch up’ their hatches.