It turns out that all the buzz about Caitlin Clark wasn’t enough to take the Iowa Hawkeyes to victory in the 2024 NCAA Women’s College Basketball Tournament. The undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks sailed through the match to take home the trophy via 87-75 points. So, the former undisputed featherweight champion Amanda Serrano sent a message to Iowa’s Clark on social media today!

Right as the match ended, Dawn Staley, the head coach for the South Carolina Gamecocks, found herself drawing in tears. However, soon after lifting the trophy, she gave a shout out to the Iowa Hawkeyes for an incredible season. Clark wasn’t left behind, as Staley praised the star player for everything she has done for the sport.

“I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport. She carried a heavy load for our sport, and it is not going to stop here on a collegiate tour. When she’s the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft, she’s going to lift that league up as well,” said Staley. However, she wasn’t alone in praising the Hawkeyes star player. 

Turning to X (formerly Twitter), Amanda Serrano congratulated the South Carolina Gamecocks for their spectacular win. She wrote, “Congratulations to the young women of South Carolina and their legendary coach, @dawnstaley, on winning it all.” Meanwhile, turning to the losing party, Serrano tried to console Clark and her team. “Tough loss for Iowa and Caitlin Clark – but the whole season was a W for them and NCAAW and helping bring more fans into women’s sports,” Serrano wrote. 

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Meanwhile, reflecting on the season’s excellent performance, Clark said after the game, “It’s certainly been a special year, and to be honest, after last year, I was like, ‘Well, how do we top what we did last year?’ … This year was more special than last year.” Moreover, an undisputed super featherweight boxer took to social media to express her thoughts on last night’s game. 

Strength in Sisterhood

Right after the match concluded, undisputed super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner wrote, “Love to see it, @dawnstaley.” And she deserves all the praise! It was just in the last season when Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks crashed with a semifinal loss to the sensational Clark in the final four.

While the latest season wasn’t about revenge, no one can deny the perfect ending, with the Gamecocks ending the tournament undefeated, especially when guard Raven Johnson had dubbed this season “The Revenge Tour.” Making the win even more special, the Gamecocks became only the tenth team in history to finish the tournament undefeated. 

Also Read: Is Raven Johnson the Key to Stopping Caitlin Clark? Dawn Staley Masterclass Takes over 2nd Quarter of NCAA Championship Game

Despite competing in completely different sports, Amanda Serrano congratulated the South Carolina Gamecocks for their win while consoling Clark, who has done so much for the sport. Did you watch last night’s match? 

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