South Carolina women’s basketball: Birds of a Feather – Dawn Staley and Kim Rosamond bond over their dogs

A year ago South Carolina assembled in the interview room to preview the upcoming second round game against North Carolina. As per NCAA guidelines, head coach Dawn Staley was joined by two players, Raven Johnson and Te-Hina Paopao.

Not part of the guidelines but also present, Champ, Staley’s havanese, who snoozed on the table in front of the trio.

After Johnson and Paopao answered questions they got up to leave. Champ stirred, wondering if he should leave too.

“You can stay Champ,” Staley said.

Moderator Steve Fink asked if Champ would take questions.

“He said until he gets a nameplate, he’s not answering any questions,” Staley quipped.

The moment was caught on video and quickly went viral. But in the whirlwind of March Madness, it was just as quickly forgotten.

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Champ isn’t just Staley’s dog, he’s a minor celebrity. Make that a major celebrity. He attends every home game, waiting in the locker room while momma coaches.

When attendance was limited during the 2020-21 season, Champ had his own section of the arena with cutouts of other pets. Bridgestone Arena set up a doggie rest area for the SEC tournament in 2022 (Champ did not attend), FAMs dress up like Champ at games, and he had his own locker room at this year’s SEC tournament.

Still, Staley’s quip about Champ needing a nameplate was lost to the internet, except at Tennessee Tech. 

That’s coach Kim Rosamond and her dogs Dolly and Dean. Sure enough, the name plate made it to Columbia and was on the table next to Staley, although Champ once again declined to take questions as he roamed the interview room.

“I think as dog lovers, I think their pets come first, just like Champ,” Staley said. “Any time that you can provide a cool — I think it was pretty cool gesture. I know Kim. I’ve known her for a long time. She’s coached in this league. I’m super happy for her and I’m over the top that she would extend such a nice gift to my boy.”

Dolly and Dean could not make the trip due to “media obligations,” Rosamond said in her opening statement. 

“I want to go ahead and get this out of the way really quick so I don’t have to answer any more questions about it,” Rosamond said. “Due to their high-demand media requests these days, Dolly and Dean will not be attending the press conference. They weren’t able to come to Columbia. So we’re going to let Champ have his day. Dean was looking forward to marking his territory, but we’re going to let Champ have his day.”

Maybe not every dog has his day, at least not Dolly and Dean. But their dog moms aren’t going to stop spoiling them.

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