South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley isn’t just a giant in college hoops but also a vocal advocate of women’s sports across the board. That support was on full display during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final, when England clinched a heart-pounding win over Spain in a penalty shootout.

Dawn Staley Reacts After Women’s Euro 2025 Finale

Two of the best countries in the world went the distance in a fierce battle that couldn’t be settled in regular time or extra time. In the end, England’s nerves of steel in the penalty shootout sealed their victory and delivered another European title to the Lionesses.

With a quick five-word tweet following the 2025 Women’s Euro final match between England and Spain, Staley rejoiced in the former’s victory, thereby revealing who she was rooting for to win.

“ENGLAND for the PK win!!!” Staley wrote, with three emojis.

England won the European Championship for the second time in a row on Sunday, July 28, beating Spain in a penalty shootout. After drawing the match 1-1, the penalties saw England outdo Spain 3-1, thanks to the English goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.

Hampton saved two shots, paving the way for victory; Chloe Kelly seized the opportunity and netted the winning kick. Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles took the other two successful shots for England, while Beth Mead and Leah Williamson missed.

For Spain, only Patri Guijjaro could score during the shootout.

Earlier, Mariona Caldentey gave Spain the lead 25 minutes into the game, but England’s Alessia Russo scored the equalizer in the second half.

Before the match began in Basel, Switzerland, Staley shared photos and videos of the closing ceremony, revealing that she was attending the event live at St. Jakob-Park.

“Who y’all got?!! England or Spain?! Right answers only,” Staley wrote, urging her fans to pick a side.

The final had everything one could expect from such a high-stakes game. From tactical brilliance to the drama of a penalty shootout, the match had fans on the edge of their seats throughout.

Spain showed dominance in possession early on, but England shone through with their resolve and never-say-die attitude. Eventually, Sarina Wiegman and her team avenged the World Cup final loss of two years ago.

As the college basketball season approaches, Staley will soon return her focus to chasing another national championship with the Gamecocks. But her celebration of England’s triumph shows that her love for competition, excellence, and women breaking barriers isn’t limited to just the hardwood.