Dawn Staley makes off-the-bench TD catch at USC Spring Game - wave3.com-Louisville News, Weather & Sports

South Carolina women's basketball head coach Dawn Staley made a special appearance at Saturday's Garnet and Black game.

Late in the second quarter, Staley ran to the end zone and caught a 30-yard touchdown pass thrown by starting quarterback Dylan Thompson.

After the score, Staley celebrated with some football players on the field.

In post-game comments Thompson said they was the most nervous he had ever been throwing a pass.

"I was happy she caught it because I would have gotten a lot of junk if she wouldn't have," said Thompson.

Head football coach Steve Spurrier said he'd spoke to Staley on Wednesday about making the off-the-bench catch, which has become a staple of the annual game.

"That was probably the highlight play," said Spurrier.

Staley led the Gamecocks this season to the program's first SEC championship with a record 14 conference wins and a Sweet 16 appearance.

South Carolina's 26 regular-season victories are the most in school history and include four wins against nationally ranked teams with three of those coming on the road.

The Gamecocks were ranked as high as No. 4 in the nation, the highest mark since January 1982, and turned in their first undefeated home season in Colonial Life Arena history.

The Gamecocks were recognized at halftime at Saturday's spring game for their SEC regular season championship.

The Black team won the game over Garnet 28-10.

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