Countdown to Gamecock Glory: South Carolina Women's Basketball's Repeat Tour Begins

The South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team is gearing up for an exciting new season as they embark on their "Repeat Tour" following their historic national championship victory last year. With a packed schedule of key dates and milestones, the Gamecocks are poised to defend their title and cement their place as one of the elite programs in the country.

Gamecock Fans, Rejoice: The Road to Repeat Begins Now

First Day of Practice: September 24

While the Gamecocks have been hard at work all summer, the official start of practice on September 24th marks a significant milestone. After a grueling Final Four Friday workout regimen, the players are eager to dive into the new season. Head coach Dawn Staley and her staff will have the team primed and ready to go as they begin their quest for a second consecutive national championship.

Exhibition Games: October 15 and October 28

South Carolina's first taste of game action will come on the road against Memphis on October 15th, where they'll face off against the North Carolina men's team in a double-header event benefiting St. Jude Children's Hospital. This early exhibition will give fans a glimpse of the defending champions in action, though the game will be available exclusively on ESPN+, much to the chagrin of many Gamecock faithful.The team's second exhibition game will take place on October 28th, this time at home against Clayton State. While the opponent may not be the most formidable, these exhibition contests provide valuable opportunities for the Gamecocks to fine-tune their skills and evaluate their roster ahead of the regular season.

SEC Basketball Tipoff: October 16

The annual SEC Basketball Tipoff event on October 16th will be a highly anticipated affair, as the women's basketball teams take the stage to preview the upcoming conference slate. Fans can expect a flurry of questions and a warm welcome for head coach Dawn Staley, who returns to the SEC after leading the U.S. Women's National Basketball Team to Olympic gold in Tokyo.

Season Opener: November 4

The Repeat Tour officially kicks off on November 4th, as the Gamecocks take on the Michigan Wolverines in Las Vegas. While the location and opponent may differ from last year's season opener, the Gamecocks will be eager to set the tone for their title defense. With the guidance of A'ja Wilson, a former Gamecock great and current WNBA superstar, the team will look to make a statement in the glitzy setting of Las Vegas.

Eastern Time Zone Opener: November 10

For fans unable to make the trip to Vegas, the Gamecocks' first home game in the Eastern Time Zone will take place on November 10th in Charlotte, North Carolina, the hometown of head coach Dawn Staley. The opponent for this highly anticipated matchup? None other than the NC State Wolfpack, a rematch of last year's Final Four clash.

Home Opener: November 14

The Gamecocks will officially raise their championship banner and kick off the home portion of their schedule on November 14th, when they host the Coppin State Eagles. This Thursday night game will mark the beginning of South Carolina's quest to maintain their impressive home attendance figures, as they aim to continue packing the Colonial Life Arena with passionate fans.

SEC Play Begins: January 2

The Gamecocks will open their SEC schedule on the road, traveling to Columbia, Missouri, to take on the Tigers. This matchup holds particular significance, as it was the site of South Carolina's last regular-season loss, a stunning upset that occurred on December 30, 2021. The Gamecocks will be eager to avenge that defeat and set the tone for their conference title defense.

SEC Home Opener: January 9

South Carolina's SEC home opener will feature a clash with the Texas A&M Aggies, serving as an appetizer for the highly anticipated showdown with the Texas Longhorns later in the weekend. The Gamecocks will need to maintain their focus and avoid looking past the Aggies, as they aim to protect their home court and continue their dominance in the SEC.

SEC Tournament: March 5-9

The SEC Tournament returns to Greenville, South Carolina, for the final time under the current contract. The Gamecocks have been a dominant force in the conference tournament, winning the last two titles and eight of the last ten. As they seek to add another trophy to their collection, the Gamecocks will look to feed off the energy of their passionate fan base in Greenville.

NCAA Tournament: March 21-April 6

South Carolina is poised to host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, providing their loyal fans with the opportunity to witness the Gamecocks' quest for a second consecutive national championship. If the team advances, they could face regional matchups in Birmingham, Alabama, or Spokane, Washington, before potentially reaching the Final Four in Tampa, Florida, the site of their first-ever Final Four appearance a decade ago.