Column: Seniors deserve respect

"Obviously, we're disappointed that we don't get to continue our season."

Those were the first words out of South Carolina women's basketball head coach Dawn Staley's mouth during the press conference following her team's Sweet 16 loss to Syracuse. That statement doesn't just apply to Staley's coaching staff or even her team. Those words echo the feeling of the fans who watched this Gamecock team dominate opponents all season long, cheering on the best show in the state of South Carolina. After last year's Final Four run, this was supposed to be the group to continue the trend. Some fans expected a title game appearance. Others thought the Gamecocks could even hoist the trophy. But regardless, a Final Four run was expected. As Staley showed us, disappointment is the easy word to fall back on. However, when you look back on what this group of seniors accomplished while donning the garnet and black, don't let disappointment cloud your mind.

Appreciate the greatness of Tiffany Mitchell, two-time SEC Player of the Year and MVP of the 2016 SEC Tournament, which was the second-straight conference tournament title for the Gamecocks. Mitchell was a leader on and off the court, dominating SEC opponents while also serving two years as a team captain. When Mitchell stepped on campus, the Gamecocks were fresh off a 25-10 season in which they tied for fourth place in the conference. During her four years in Columbia, the Charlotte native won 121 games while losing just 18 — which is truly remarkable, as she was the driving force for so many of those victories, particularly the wins that led the team to the first Final Four appearance in school history. Mitchell will leave the team with a laundry list of accolades, and she is undoubtedly one of the best players in program history.

From Khadijah Sessions, South Carolina fans got to see incredible effort, as the team's energetic point guard was always the first to the floor to dive on a loose ball, and she was never afraid to play through an injury. Tina Roy was a pure sharpshooter, and she rose to the occasion in her final game with the Gamecocks, scoring 17 points and knocking down five threes in the first half. Through the years, the Louisiana native knocked down threes to fire up Gamecock Nation, creating a deafening atmosphere in Colonial Life Arena. Asia Dozier provided leadership, served as a captain for two years and started 82 games in her final three seasons in her hometown, playing tough defense and providing outside shooting and passing on offense. Sarah Imovbioh transferred in from Virginia for her final collegiate season, and she settled into a complementary role nicely, playing behind A'ja Wilson and Alaina Coates despite being one of the better players in the ACC last season.

These seniors have taken off their uniforms for the final time, but don't let the early end to the season shape your thoughts on this class. Led by Mitchell, this group turned an up-and-coming program into a powerhouse, as the Gamecocks were a top seed in the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive seasons. The leadership of Mitchell and Dozier has players ready to fill in behind the five that are walking away, but truly appreciate the greatness you were able to witness and be a part of over the last four years. The work of these seniors is why this program will remain in the national spotlight for years to come.