NCAA women’s, men's basketball champs honored at the White House

"Congratulations to the families, friends, and especially to the players and coaches on an outstanding run of excellence," President Biden said during the ceremony in the East Wing of the White House, honoring the University of South Carolina women's basketball team.

Biden praised Coach Dawn Staley for transforming South Carolina's program, which concluded the season with a perfect 38-0 record. 

He also welcomed the University of Connecticut men's basketball team for the second time in two years, acknowledging their back-to-back national championships. 

"Welcome back," Biden said to the UConn Huskies. "I won't be here next year, but you might be."

Speaking directly to Coach Staley, Biden noted, "Before you took the job at South Carolina, the women’s team had made it to just two tournaments in 17 years. Now, we're celebrating their third national championship and second in three years."

He highlighted their impressive record of 109 wins and only three losses over the past three seasons and noted that they are one of only ten teams in women's college basketball history to complete an undefeated season.

Despite losing five starters to the WNBA draft and graduation, Biden said he had faith in the team, humorously claiming he had "won a lot of money" betting on their success. 

"You never gave up," Biden said. "You kept the faith and completed the job." He commended the team's performance in the championship game against Iowa, where they secured an 87-75 victory. 

Biden highlighted the teamwork involved, noting that nine players logged significant minutes and four scored in double figures. South Carolina's bench contributed 37 points, whereas Iowa's bench did not score.

The president also pointed out that the championship game was the most-watched basketball game in five years, peaking at over 24 million viewers. 

Coach Staley reflected on the significance of the White House visit, describing it as a symbol of hope, unity, and opportunity. She recalled the recent removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina state Capitol, viewing it as a step toward progress, justice, and equality. 

"The team embodies diversity, inclusiveness, and unity," Staley said, presenting Biden with a team jersey with his name on it. She added that the event was a powerful symbol of these values.

Later, Biden congratulated the University of Connecticut men’s team for winning their sixth NCAA title in 25 years and becoming the first team to repeat as national champions in 17 years. 

"It wasn't easy," Biden said of their journey. "Last year, you were underestimated." He acknowledged that critics doubted their ability to win back-to-back titles, but the team proved them wrong by dominating throughout the season, including the Big East regular season, the Big East tournament, and the NCAA tournament, winning games by an average of 23 points.

"You capped off one of the most successful two-year runs in the sport's history," Biden said, praising UConn for its remarkable achievement and elevating its status among basketball’s elite programs.

UConn Coach Dan Hurley expressed his desire for the team to make White House visits a regular tradition. He emphasized the team's mindset and commitment to winning every championship opportunity they had during the season.

"We played a brand of basketball that was not only beautiful to watch but also dominant," Hurley said. 

The UConn team also presented Biden with a team jersey as the ceremony concluded.