The South Carolina Gamecocks are heading to the Final Four for the sixth straight year. After their latest win, forward Maryam Dauda explained what makes this team different. Her message was clear: they expect nothing less than a championship.

On March 30, the South Carolina Gamecocks advanced to the Final 4 for the 6th consecutive year by handing TCU a 78-52 defeat. A special feat in itself, but Dauda highlighted what makes the Gamecocks even more special.

“It makes it so special because we've all individually put in the work, and we're finally clicking together”, she said postgame. “We just want to win… we've seen what the outcome is and we just want the same outcome, and it's great.”

Dawn Staley’s leadership and guidance have transformed the Gamecocks into a national powerhouse, with 3x NCAA Championships in their bracket. And under her, the players continued with the same winning mindset.

So, the Gamecocks are special because they have “a coach (who) has been there before, and knows what it takes to win and has taken multiple players to the Final 4.” However, it’s not just the coach behind this greatness.

Maryam Dauda Is “Happier” With the Gamecocks

Surely Staley’s coaching brings out the best in the players. But within one year of her arrival, the Gamecocks Forward could tell what kind of team she’s part of, what approach they follow, and what all of these make her feel.

“I’m a lot more happier,” she said. “I feel like I’m on a team where everybody just wants to win. You don’t have a person that’s like, oh, I wanna win or whatever. Collectively, everybody’s wanting to win and just get to the next game.”

It didn’t take the former Arkansas player to realise that the Gamecocks have “been everything (she) hoped it would be and more.” With this team, “just going out there and playing… moving on to the next round” has been exciting and a freeing experience.

But how much Dauda and the Gamecocks will be able to run freely for their next game, time will tell. What’s your prediction for the UConn vs Gamecocks game on April 4? Comment it down.

Read more at She Got Game!

Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil