LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (WCSC) – When South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said she was headed to Disney World after the team’s championship win, she wasn’t kidding.
On Saturday, Staley was treated to a day of festivities at the Most Magical Place on Earth, including riding atop her own parade float with the assistant coaches, down Main Street, USA
While at the park, Staley got to experience the signature Disney attractions, like taking a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The Gamecocks finished their perfect season by defeating Iowa 87-75 during the NCAA Championship on April 7.
During a post-game interview, Staley announced that she was “going to Disney World!”
That proclamation continues Disney Parks’ popular tradition of celebrating major national champions at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort – a tradition that started with the New York Giants following their Super Bowl win in 1987, parks spokesperson Courtney Jasmin said.
“I actually secretly wanted to win because I got to say it,” Staley said. “And I got to say it in front of over 18 million people where I was going. I’m going to Walt Disney World! And now that I’m here, I’m enjoying it.”
Staley joined the biggest names in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and the Olympics who have celebrated their greatest sports achievements at a Disney park.
Since then, Staley and the team have been recognized nationally for having an undefeated season.
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Staley, a six-time WNBA All-Star as a player, is the fifth coach to win at least three NCAA titles.
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