Dawn Staley made sure to recognize Caitlin Clark’s impact on women’s college basketball during South Carolina’s big moment as national champions.

During the televised trophy presentation, Staley took a moment to recognize Clark. The Iowa superstar is credited with bringing new fans to the game, as Hawkeyes games have smashed various viewership records over the past two seasons.

“I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport,” Staley said. “She carried a heavy load for our sport. And it’s not going to stop here on the collegiate tour, but when she is the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft, she’s going to lift that league up as well.

“So Caitlin Clark, if you’re out there, you are one of the GOATs of our game and we appreciate you.”

Clark was asked about Staley’s praise in postgame, and expressed appreciation.

“I think any time someone like Coach Staley is able to recognize you and what you did for the game is obviously pretty special,” Clark said. “Obviously she’s someone I respect so much. I respect what she’s done for South Carolina. I respect what she did as a player for our game.

“Any time you can get the praises of her is pretty special. So it means a lot.”

Clark’s Hawkeyes are the last team to beat Staley’s Gamecocks. Iowa took down South Carolina in last year’s NCAA Tournament on its run to the national championship game. The Gamecocks went undefeated in 2023-24, posting a 38-0 record across the regular season and postseason.

Initially, it looked like Clark and the Hawkeyes might make it back-to-back wins over Staley’s squad. Clark’s first bucket of the game extended Iowa’s lead to 10-0 early in the 1st quarter.

Clark dominated the 1st quarter, scoring 18 points on 5-of-8 shooting to give Iowa a 27-20 lead. Staley’s Gamecocks were able to contain Clark the rest of the way. Clark finished 10-of-28 shooting for 30 points in the contest.

Staley and Clark will likely be remembered together, along with Kim Mulkey’s LSU program, for what has been a memorable two seasons of growth for women’s college basketball.

Through her numerous records, Clark has maintained that she takes the most pride in growing the game she loves to play. As Staley stated, Clark’s next frontier for growing the game will likely be the WNBA as the presumed No. 1 overall draft pick.