A Touch of Canine Class: Tennessee Tech Coach Rosamond Brings Playful Gift to South Carolina’s Staley Ahead of NCAA Tournament Showdown
The high-stakes atmosphere of March Madness often crackles with intensity, but sometimes, a touch of levity can break through the pressure. That’s precisely what happened in Columbia, South Carolina, ahead of the highly anticipated first-round matchup between No. 16 seed Tennessee Tech and defending national champion South Carolina. Tennessee Tech head coach Kim Rosamond orchestrated a heartwarming gesture that transcended the competitive spirit, gifting South Carolina’s head coach Dawn Staley’s beloved dog, Champ, a personalized nameplate.
The charming exchange unfolded during the pre-game press conference for the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Rosamond, fulfilling a promise made earlier, entered the media room carrying a gift bag. The contents of the bag were a delightful surprise: a custom-made nameplate for Champ, Staley’s canine companion.
Staley’s reaction upon seeing the nameplate was one of pure joy. She immediately summoned Champ, who was patiently waiting in the hallway, to join her. With the nameplate proudly displayed, Staley called upon players Bree Hall and Sania Feagin to capture the heartwarming moment with a photo of her, Champ, and the thoughtful gift.
"I’ve known Kim for a long time – she’s coached in this league – and I’m super happy for her," Staley remarked, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I’m over the top that she would extend such a nice gift to my boy."
The origins of this playful exchange can be traced back to the 2024 NCAA Tournament selection show. Staley, known for her wit and humor, playfully quipped that Champ wouldn’t entertain any questions unless he had a nameplate to identify his place at the table. Rosamond, clearly attuned to Staley’s lighthearted comment, seized the opportunity to create a memorable moment.
Tennessee Tech’s social media team further amplified the gesture, posting a photo on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) featuring Rosamond posing with her own two Shih Tzus, Dolly and Dean, each sporting their respective nameplates. In the photo, Rosamond also held Champ’s nameplate, accompanied by the caption: "We have you covered for Thursday’s press conference."
The online interaction continued when, just ten minutes after Tennessee Tech’s initial post, Staley responded with enthusiasm. "Thank you, my fur friends… Champ Staley will be in the building, front and center behind his nameplate. Good looking!" she wrote, her excitement palpable.
The entire episode served as a refreshing reminder that even amidst the intensity of competition, camaraderie and good sportsmanship can prevail. Rosamond’s thoughtful gift not only brought a smile to Staley’s face but also showcased the personal connections that exist within the world of college basketball.
The backdrop to this lighthearted exchange is, of course, the looming first-round game. Tennessee Tech, a No. 16 seed, faces the daunting task of taking on the top-seeded and defending national champion South Carolina Gamecocks. The game, scheduled for Friday, promises to be a compelling contest, pitting a determined underdog against a powerhouse program.
While the odds may be stacked against Tennessee Tech, Rosamond’s gesture demonstrates that they are approaching the challenge with grace and a sense of perspective. The gift for Champ is a symbol of respect for Staley and her program, and it underscores the importance of building relationships even in the heat of competition.
The story of Champ’s nameplate has resonated with fans and media alike, highlighting the human side of college sports. It’s a reminder that behind the fierce rivalries and the pressure to win, there are individuals who value kindness, sportsmanship, and the joy of the game.
As Tennessee Tech prepares to face South Carolina, they can take pride in the fact that they have already won hearts with their thoughtful gesture. Regardless of the outcome on the court, the story of Champ’s nameplate will undoubtedly be remembered as a heartwarming moment in the 2024 NCAA Women’s Tournament. It is a testament to the power of simple acts of kindness to transcend the boundaries of competition and create lasting connections. It’s a reminder that even in the high-pressure world of college basketball, there’s always room for a little bit of puppy love and a whole lot of good sportsmanship. The game itself will be a battle, but the gesture beforehand showed that respect and camaraderie can exist even when victory is the ultimate goal.
