The Champ's Acknowledgments

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The South Carolina Women’s Basketball team won its third National Championship over the weekend — capping the 10th undefeated season in the sport’s history.

But beyond any Xs and Os or key in-game adjustments, Coach Dawn Staley provided a critical lesson for any coach, executive or leader.

Staley was humble and considerate throughout her postgame press conferences — recognizing by name the people who have contributed to South Carolina’s success and the overall growth of the sport.

“Winston Gandy did a hell of a job on this scout,” she said after her team’s 87-75 win over Iowa. “He lost a lot of sleep. We had very little prep time. He explained it in a way that our kids could lock in and execute. And they weren’t going to be denied.”

On Saturday, Staley individually five ESPN broadcasters by name for their coverage and analysis throughout the season.

And immediately following the championship game, she thanked Iowa sensation Caitlin Clark for “lifting up our sport.”

Staley’s willingness to shine the light on others has some key lessons for us.

When we succeed, we often want to bask in the glory and reflect on the many things we did right.

But there are always people working tirelessly behind the scenes who rarely, if ever, see the spotlight. Their names may not be known, but their impact is felt.

Because of this, we have a duty to promote them and express our gratitude.

Doing so typically has three benefits:

1. It increases overall morale

2. It motivates them to continue putting in the work

3. It conveys that we have perspective and humility about the factors that contributed to our success

While Staley is atop the women’s college basketball mountaintop now, she knows she didn’t make the climb alone.

There were players, assistants, fans, broadcasters and even competitors contributing to make her program what it is.

Singling them out doesn’t remotely detract from her own impact, her skillset or her remarkable accomplishments.

It actually makes her an even better leader.

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