USC Women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley issues sick note for fans to attend game

The University of South Carolina (USC) women’s basketball team makes their debut in the NCAA Women’s Tournament in Columbia this week.

If you’re a fan but can’t get out of work for the game, Coach Dawn Staley has you covered!

She gave WIS a sick note excusing fans from work because the team “simply can’t do it without our FAMS,” according to the note.

The game — which is the first round of the tournament — will be held at Colonial Life Arena Friday at 2 p.m. as the 1-seed Gamecocks take on the winner of the First Four matchup against Sacred Heart and Presbyterian.

South Carolina recently won the SEC regular season and tournament championships — the second straight undefeated regular season for the team.

The women’s team brought home national championships in 2017 and 2022 under Staley’s reign.

They’ve been in the NCAA Tournament every season since 2011-12, with the exception of when the tournament was canceled in 2020.

The fans have been along for the ride, packing arenas and hosting watch parties.

Staley told WIS it’s an honor to be their team.

“I could not write this script of what it looks like outside of winning a national championship for two,” Staley said. “They’ve made it what it looks like and it feels great because it’s built on, just really, organic, genuine love.”

Friday’s game is one you surely don’t want to miss!

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