South Carolina’s bench is the best in women’s college basketball, and it’s not even close ... For more than a century, Times Union photographers have been documenting the Capital Region’s fascinating people, places and pivotal moments.

After South Carolina beat Duke, Staley said it was “customary” for her to show love to the Carolina Band after big wins. She had a similar postgame moment with the group after USC beat Texas to win the 2025 SEC championship in Greenville. “They really are part of the atmosphere that’s created in the gym,” Staley said.

Gamecock head coach Shane Beamer and quarterbacks coach Mike Shula made separate trips in March to the West Coast to visit with Smigiel (6-4, 220) and his family. Last Thursday through Saturday, the Smigiels returned the favor with their first visit to the South Carolina campus.

Former South Carolina Gamecock standout wide receiver Shi Smith has officially retired from football, just months after signing with the Birmingham Stallions of