Dawn Staley Sends Strong Message to MiLaysia Fulwiley After Leaving South Carolina

The South Carolina women's basketball team, led by head coach Dawn Staley, was just one game away from winning the national title last season. 

South Carolina was successful in the NCAA Tournament, defeating Tennessee Tech, Indiana, Maryland, Duke and Texas. 

The Gamecocks were ultimately defeated in the national title game, falling to Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies, 82-59.  

After the season, as Staley and the Gamecocks' coaching staff work toward keeping the roster intact and adding talent, they suffered a major loss. 

MiLaysia Fulwiley transferred from the program and committed to play for Kim Mulkey and the LSU Tigers. 

Staley recently spoke on Fulwiley's decision, making it clear that the South Carolina native will always be welcome, despite her departure. 

"I think being in this space, you become to expect the unexpected," Staley said. "I still have much love for MiLaysia, much love, like I want her happy. She and her mom came in and she said 'I think I'm going to get into the transfer portal...' I really do only want our players happy. Like I do, whether that's with us or somewhere else. Just be happy. I told her, don't look back. I know it's going to be hard to not look back, you leaving your hometown and all that. I said don't look back. You're always going to be a Gamecock. You're always going to be welcomed here."