Gamecock fans welcome team home to Columbia [Video]

A welcome back fan fest celebration greeted the 2024 NCAA National Champion South Carolina Gamecocks at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia on Monday. The fans waited patiently for their arrival, watching a replay of Sunday’s game against Iowa on the big board in the middle of the arena. The proud fans cheered for the team as if they were watching the game for the first time.About an hour earlier, the team arrived from Cleveland at Columbia Metropolitan Airport.Afterward, at the arena, the whole team took center stage as the crowd went wild and Coach Dawn Staley expressed her gratitude.In the crowd was a special group of Gamecocks called the Highlighters. They’re a group of male students who assist the team during practice. They also scout and imitate the offense and defense of the team’s upcoming opponent. USC senior Max Holzeman explained why the Gamecocks’ national championship victory is extra …