UConn and South Carolina are preparing for an exciting visit to the White House to celebrate their recent NCAA basketball championships. The schools made the announcements on Thursday, revealing that President Joe Biden will honor the teams for their remarkable achievements.
For the UConn men’s basketball team, this will mark their sixth visit to the White House, following their remarkable run that saw them secure back-to-back NCAA Tournament titles—an impressive feat last achieved by Florida in 2006 and 2007. The team’s consistent excellence has solidified their place among college basketball’s elite.
In contrast, this will be the first White House visit for South Carolina’s team. Despite their notable achievements in 2017 and 2022, Coach Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks did not make the trip to Washington D.C. following those championship victories. The past season was historic for South Carolina, as they finished with a flawless 38-0 record, becoming the first undefeated NCAA Tournament champions since the UConn women achieved the same milestone in 2016.
Coach Dawn Staley, who is not only a celebrated coach but also a three-time Olympic gold medalist, recently added another prestigious role to her resume. She served as a member of the Presidential Delegation to the Paris Olympics, showcasing her influence and dedication to the sport on both national and international stages.
As UConn and South Carolina prepare for this memorable trip to the nation’s capital, the event promises to be a fitting recognition of their hard work, perseverance, and triumphs in collegiate basketball.