AP Exclusive: Behind-the-scenes with women’s NCAA champions

By PETE IACOBELLI
AP Sports Writer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The South Carolina Gamecocks granted The Associated Press behind-the-scenes access to their Final Four experience. It was clear that there was a singular focus to the journey that started last year, almost immediately after a 66-65 loss in the national semifinals to eventual champion Stanford. The Gamecocks were unified in their goal of reaching this year’s Final Four. Once here, everything was done as a team. Coach Dawn Staleyand her team had plenty of support every step of the way to winning the national championship over UConn on Sunday night.