South Carolina women's basketball head coach Dawn Staley, along with athletics director Ray Tanner and Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall, gathered outside Colonial Life Arena on June 23 to unveil the design for 15 new highway signs that commemorate the 2022 national championship.
These signs will be placed at the welcome centers of every major highway in South Carolina, as well as around the Columbia area.
“I just feel like signages gives us a connection to our team, our fans, the entire state of South Carolina and throughout Columbia,” Staley said.
There will be two signs each on I-85, I-26, I-77, I-95 and one going eastbound on I-20. In Columbia, signs can be found at I-20 eastbound Exit 58 and westbound Exit 73A and at I-26 Exit 111B in both directions. There will also be signs located at the I-77 Exit 5 in both directions and on SC 277 southbound near Harbison Street.
The street signs were unveiled on the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which ensures equal athletic opportunity for men and women.
"I think it's an incredible tribute for us to celebrate on this day." Staley said, "I want women's sports to go to a place where we're treated as a sport."
South Carolina went 35-2 last year and never lost a game at home. This success led them to a national championship over UConn, with South Carolina winning by a score of 64-49.
South Carolina has been ranked in the AP Top 25 every week since December 10, 2012. This span includes 44 total weeks at No. 1.
Tanner showed his appreciation and gave a shout-out to the fans, or FAMS as Staley calls them, saying, “The passion and diversity of this fanbase is what makes having this signage all around our state so very important.”
Tanner talked about how the success of the women's basketball team has paid off in the form of championships.
“We are also continuing to celebrate the second national championship in the last five NCAA women’s basketball tournaments,” Tanner said.
The women's basketball team's success has also drawn the interest of Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall, a graduate of Clemson.
"Coach Staley has inspired me to follow the USC team, watch the games and be a big fan," Hall said.
Staley wrapped up her speech by talking about what the signage means to the women's basketball team.
"It's an awesome tribute to our team and all the wonderful players who were a part of making this happen," Staley said.