Main Bullet Points:
- South Carolina’s women’s basketball coach, Dawn Staley, took a celebratory trip to Disney World following her team’s national championship win.
- She started her day on a safari ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom before becoming the main attraction of a parade down Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom.
- The parade featured fireworks, streamers, Disney characters, and cheering guests. Staley interacted with Minnie Mouse who was dressed in a basketball kit.
- Staley has led South Carolina to their third women’s basketball national title, finishing with an undefeated season and a personal record of 109-3 over the past three years.
- Following her team’s victory, Staley announced in a live post-game TV interview that she was “Going to Disney World!” a tradition among major national champion players and teams since 1987.
The Realist’s Take
Mickey Mouse might be the original baller in the Magic Kingdom, but it’s clear that Dawn Staley has taken that crown, or rather, Mickey-shaped hat. Swapping courts for cavalcades, the Gamecock’s coach celebrated her team’s shining victory with a little Disney magic. Remember when the biggest challenge at Disney was deciding whether to go on Space Mountain or Pirates of The Caribbean first? Well, Staley had to juggle that alongside a victory parade, and Minnie Mouse dressed up as a wannabe baller. Let’s hope she coached Minnie on her jump shot! Ultimately, Staley’s magical Disney tour continues a long-lasting tradition of bringing champions from the court to the castle – a transition that’s as smooth as her team’s winning streak. The Happiest Place on Earth, indeed!
https://wdwnews.com/releases/south-carolina-coach-dawn-staley-celebrates-historic-womens-college-basketball-national-championship-at-walt-disney-world-resort/
