Payton Titus
@petitus25
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she/her | South Carolina WBB + more @thestate @gogamecocks | product of: @UFJSchool @SJI_Update @alligatorsports | cancer survivor | email: ptitus @thestate .com
Columbia, SC
Joined June 2015
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Pinned Tweet
Bree Hall struggled w self doubt. 'What ifs' consumed her. And she had a hard time letting Dawn Staley in.
But over USC's last 12 games, Hall has stood taller, smiled wider & led the Gamecocks as their most accurate shooter.
How she got her groove back⬇️
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Dawn Staley on her call-in show says Kamilla Cardoso’s mom told her through a translator that “This is a dream come true,” after her game-winner versus Tennessee.
Staley added that the family went to Applebee’s afterward, asked for the check, and were told their money’s no good
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Dawn Staley heard one of her players described in an offensive way on the radio this morning. She used her platform to call it out/ask for an apology, which she received w/in minutes.
It's the latest example of her calling out problematic media narratives
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Former
#Gamecock
Tina Roy (2011-16) traveled 1.5 hrs from her hometown Kaplan, La. to be here. Predicts a 20-point USC win. USC is too good on both sides of the ball, she said, compared to offense-dom. LSU. Played pickup w this USC team over summer so not surprised by the success
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Just ran into
@dawnstaley
. Asked her how she’s feeling.
“I’m floating! I’m not even walking!”
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Dawn Staley on her call-in show said she spoke w/ Ashlyn Watkins today. Staley told Watkins if Cardoso recovers from her travels in time for Thurs' game at Tennessee, USC will use its typical starting 5 (Paopao, Hall, Johnson, Kitts, Cardoso).
Watkins' response: I want 6th POY
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16 years ago, USC WBB was not the national powerhouse it is today.
It was a bottom-tier SEC team starved for postseason success and in search of a head coach who could take it into the 21st century.
Enter Dawn Staley.
Inside the search, hiring⬇️
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That’s two netlaces for coach Dawn Staley this post season…
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Joyce Edwards talks about how despite South Carolina not having her major, coach Dawn Staley found way to appeal to Edwards’ academic ambitions. One way was through the honors program. Staley has been wearing her garnet SCHC (South Carolina Honors College) hat a lot lately…
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#BREAKING
: According to sources close to the team, 19 football players have tested positive for COVID-19.
@alligatorSports
@TheAlligator
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After additional reporting,
@TheAlligator
stands by its initial report of 19 positive tests on UF's football team.
Story to come.
@alligatorSports
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Spencer Rattler on harsh chants from the crowd:
"If you ain’t got haters, you ain’t popping."
Later on Tennessee in the press conference:
"It’s like their super bowl tonight, so congrats to them."
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When Kamilla Cardoso was introduced as a starter over the PA system, she emerged from the bench w a smile and tears in her eyes.
“I don’t like to see her cry,” Raven Johnson said, “but it’s tears of joy.”
On what may have been Cardoso's last game at CLA:
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Looks like Kamilla Cardoso will be able to walk with her mom and sister at tomorrow’s senior day celebration. What a special moment…
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As a 6-foot-tall 5th grader, Ashlyn Watkins towered over her classmates (and sometimes their teachers). She didn’t love sticking out. It worked against her shy nature.
But it worked in her favor on the court. How basketball gave her space to be herself:
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No. 1 class of 2024 recruit Sarah Strong is here, and the home crowd at CLA just broke out in a "We want Sarah" chant
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So excited to announce that this is my first week at
@thestate
@gogamecocks
, where I'll cover
@GamecockWBB
, help w real-time/trending coverage & basically dabble in all things U. of South Carolina sports!
Feel free to send local food + coffee recs, & story ideas my way 🤠
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College GameDay signs spotted include:
"We Want Sarah Strong!"
"Champ is the real Dawg!"
"Dawn Staley 2024"
"Hey Boo!"
"Georgia ain't no peach"
"Ashlyn Swatkins 🚫"
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Khadijah Sessions is often the 1st person off USC’s bench, sometimes to applaud the team’s hustle, sometimes to advocate for a more favorable whistle. Always w unbridled effervescence.
How her passion has aided one of USC’s most impressive seasons ever⬇️
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Staley later asked ab officiating concerns heading into the NCAA tournament:
“I’m triggered from what took place last year. Because I feel like we are bigger than most teams, so our bigs endure a lot more than they should. …I don’t want our team to be deemed overly physical.”
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This is a bit misleading…
Dawn Staley’s base salary ($22.4 million/7yr) is $3.2. Her salary will climb to $3.5 in the final year of her deal (2027-2028).
Nola News reported Mulkey’s new deal will start at $2.75 and reach $3.65 by the final year, 2033.” She got $2.5/yr before
Kim Mulkey has agreed to a 10-year/$32M extension with LSU, per
@NOLAnews
Highest paid WBB coach in the country. WOW 👏
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Staley makes a plea for fans to pack CLA during the NCAA Tournament:
"Historically, our attendance has dropped during the NCAA Tournament. I'm gonna ask y'all to rub those coins together and fill this arena up, because it may be the last time we see Kamilla, Pao and Sakima."
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Fred Chmiel met Dawn Staley in 2005. He was a young asst. w the Charlotte Sting in awe of the iconic PG.
Chmiel later joined her at USC, where they won 2 NCAA titles. Tomorrow he'll host USC as Bowling Green's HC.
On their reunion, formative friendship⬇️
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Some breaking news here on one of South Carolina WBB's early signees, who will enroll at USC tomorrow.
Details here⬇️
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Every MiLaysia Fulwiley make made USC fans beg for more. “Shoot it, 12!” they shouted. This is what they came for.
She hears them. The people+community that've watched her her whole life. This is what she came here for.
On the hometown hero's NCAAT debut
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Spent the last month of this year fearing relapse. After four dizzying weeks of uncertainty & two biopsies, I can now share the best news ever: another year cancer free in the books! I’m waving 2020 goodbye, rather emphatically, w/ a fresh battle scar. Here’s looking at you, 2021
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All Regional Team:
Raven Johnson, USC
Raegan Beers, OSU
Timea Gardiner, OSU
Sydney Parrish, IU
Kamilla Cardoso, USC**
**Most Outstanding Player
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Kamilla Cardoso smiling, wiping tears from her face in the huddle after being introduced as a starter.
This could be her last home game at Colonial Life Arena.
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If Mullen’s departure saves Stricklin, that’d send an alarmingly clear message regarding the
#Gators
priorities. -$12 mill on a football coach whose record fell short of the “Gator standard” but issue no public reprimand to the AD who disregarded the well being of women athletes.
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I’m in Gainesville for South Carolina’s conference opener against Florida tonight.
Gates open at 6 p.m. for 7 p.m. tip. Here’s what the line is looking like around 5:40 p.m.
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Two years. Two completely different starting lineups. One common result: perfection.
On how this undefeated regular season feels different and the pressure that comes with having a zero in the loss column ⬇️
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This has been an aggressive basketball game on both sides. But in fairness, Cardoso has been getting beaten up all game. Pretty clear video circulating this app showing Reese yanking her hair at one point.
Women's basketball needs better officiating. Full stop.
So looked like Flau'jae Johnson threw an elbow up at Fulwiley after the play was over. Watkins came up to Johnson, who shoved Watkins. Cardoso went over to Johnson and pushed her to the ground.
Fans bickering with competing "USC" and "LSU" chants as the officials review
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#Gamecocks
fans and USC bench confused by (and irritated with) how this game is being officiated...
Hall picks up her second foul and heads for the bench.
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Today marks my first day as a sports intern for the Miami Herald this fall! Super stoked to get started.
If there's anything Miami sports related on your mind (or if you have coffee/food recommendations), feel free to DM me or shoot me an email at ptitus
@miamiherald
.com.
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Raven Johnson thought ab quitting bball after the '23 FF
Now she's back w a new undefeated SC team. These players, this WBB family lifted her up when she questioned her ability to go on
She’ll be damned if she can’t repay them (& herself) w a nat'l title
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Truly honored to receive this honor for work produced in my first few months on the South Carolina WBB beat.
I take great pride in covering this team, and I’m glad it shows.
Catch up on all things
#Gamecocks
ahead of the Final Four this weekend here:
Payton Titus of The State in Columbia, South Carolina, and Brett Wagner of the Lincoln Journal Star won first place in the 2023 Associated Press Sports Editors contest in the Division C Beat Writing category.
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In light of Te-Hina Paopao's big decision, re-sharing this November feature on what brought her to South Carolina.
Guided by family and making new sisters here in Columbia
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“Gamecock love is real. Appreciate y’all,” Dawn Staley tells the FAMS who traveled to Paris.
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Te-Hina Paopao has made her decision...
"Let's run it back."
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She also mentioned concerns over narratives surrounding USC’s physicality:
“I just don’t want the narrative. We had another coach speak on our team last year, heading into the NCAA Tournament. …It was a bit much (Sunday). It was a bit much in the Final Four.”
Staley later asked ab officiating concerns heading into the NCAA tournament:
“I’m triggered from what took place last year. Because I feel like we are bigger than most teams, so our bigs endure a lot more than they should. …I don’t want our team to be deemed overly physical.”
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Dawn Staley came to USC's presser smiley next to her FR phenom. Nearly every quiet quip Fulwiley shared w media made Staley drop her head & grin.
But Kamilla Cardoso’s double-double also made coach proud.
This is Cardoso's moment. And she’s earned it.
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I started
@TheAlligator
last fall as a wide-eyed freshman. I was green but ready and willing to make the most out of an invaluable opportunity that seemingly just fell into my lap. Now, I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be serving as the Spring 2021 digital managing editor.
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Also, Joyce Edwards’ orange nails that threw everyone off? She got those done before the Maryland game not knowing she’d commit during the early period. Just thought they looked cute on her. Sunday is when she knew it was South Carolina.
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Humbled to receive top-10 honors from APSE in the beat writing, long feature and short feature categories for my coverage of South Carolina WBB and FB. Thanks to all who've read the work I've done in my short time
@thestate
.
Excited for what's to come...
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Joyce Edwards is in the house for today's sold-out game versus Vanderbilt.
Also, all
#Gamecocks
were on the court warming up earlier. Lots of smiles, laughs, dances. Should be a fun afternoon.
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4 & 5 a.m. workouts have been part of Te-Hina Paopao's life since grade school. After watching her brothers brave them for football, she embraced the wakeup call.
Now at South Carolina, she uses their guidance to lead by example.
On family + basketball⬇️
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Dawn Staley sporting a black sweatshirt that says "Boo" on it in big white block letters...
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South Carolina's MiLaysia Fulwiley signing 4-year NIL deal with Stephen Curry's Curry Brand.
More here⬇️
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Sydney Parrish remembers when Te-Hina Paopao would show up to Oregon WBB practices in pajama pants & a beanie.
Pretty unsuspecting for a 5⭐️ recruit. But don’t be fooled.
“She’ll still just tear you apart,” Parrish said.
On tomorrow's Sweet 16 reunion⬇️
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BEYOND excited to join this amazing group of journalists and work for
@YahooSports
this summer!
🚨BREAKING: SJI welcomes its 30th class!
This class stands on the shoulders of 3 decades of women + minority journalists who found opportunities in newsrooms nationwide.
Welcome to the legacy!🎉
Meet the class of 2022:
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If you’re wondering what article
@breezyhalll
is referring to…
We sat down in Jan. to talk ab embracing her then new role w USC
One of the most compelling things she told me: after the ‘23 F4, Dawn Staley looked at her & said “Get us back here, Breezy.”
Never give up! Times will get better always remember that ❤️! You have to want it get better 🫂! Mental health is real you are not alone! Read my article from earlier this year to know the things I went through ❤️!
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Hey
@itsBTerrell
, I found the USC student who s/o Pearl Moore on College GameDay. Spoiler: that wasn't her phone.
It & the message belonged to another student/women's hoops fan. Her story + a message from Dawn Staley on acknowledging greatness in WBB ⬇️
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All
#Gamecocks
are present and accounted for during pregame warm ups. A few channeling
@_ajawilson22
with single-leg sleeves...
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INBOX: MiLaysia Fulwiley (South Carolina) and Mikaylah Williams (LSU) are SEC Co-Freshmen of the week.
Angel Reese (LSU) won Player of the Week.
Two more sleeps till No. 1 South Carolina at No. 9 LSU...
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Your
#Gamecocks
starters for today's 2nd round game versus No. 8 UNC:
G Te-Hina Paopao
G Bree Hall (back after missing the 1st Round)
G Raven Johnson
F Ashlyn Watkins
C Kamilla Cardoso (back after missing the 1st Round)
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Hi all! It’s my first week as the sports intern for
@TB_Times
@TBTimes_Sports
. If you have any story tips, coffee shop/restaurant recommendations or general words of wisdom to offer up, I’d really appreciate it. My big girl TB Times email: ptitus
@tampabay
.com.
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Overheard from a South Carolina fan behind me: "18,000 is normal for us"
#Gamecocks
had five sellouts at CLA this season
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On the Senior Day ceremony honoring Te-Hina Paopao, Kamilla Cardoso, Sakima Walker:
Each of their careers began elsewhere, but their paths converged in Columbia to make way for one of the Gamecocks’ most successful regular seasons in program history.
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Coach Dawn Staley hands a fan/booster the mic. She encourages everybody to give to the athletic department, mentions NIL. Also adds:
"If Ray Tanner's here, she (Staley) deserves a raise."
*he is here*
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Greetings from practice, where Mario Anderson is cutting it up
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#Gamecocks
starters for today's game at UK:
G Te-Hina Paopao
G Bree Hall
G Raven Johnson
F Chloe Kitts
F Ashlyn Watkins
For folks worried about Watkins' 6POY eligibility: Don't. Award requirement: Start 1/3 or fewer games. It's mathematically impossible for her to exceed that.
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Halftime: 46-21,
#Gamecocks
So far we've had...
- An Ashlyn Watkins dunk (!)
- 5 blocks from Kamilla Cardoso
- MiLaysia Fulwiley and Tessa Johnson make their first three 3s (that's six 3s from the freshmen)
Soooo...yeah exciting game
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Also, observational note. Remember when Dawn Staley said Chloe Kitts was "timid" no more back in September? Yeah, can confirm.
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Bree Hall is hustling today. She receives a round of applause from this
#Gamecocks
heavy crowd as she checks out and Tessa Johnson checks in.
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We saw a version of this this last season when media asked questions t-ing him up to bolster Trask's Heisman campaign, which he actively chose *not* to capitalize on. Instead he gave snide remarks about how his opinion didn't matter bc he wasn't a voter. Dan Mullen 🤝 his ego.
Mullen could help himself a lot by just admitting Anthony Richardson is good.
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Gamecocks WBB dominating the front page of today’s e-edition
@thestate
after achieving back-to-back undefeated regular seasons yesterday.
More USC women’s hoops content for anyone looking to cram ahead of the SEC Tournament can be found here ☺️:
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Adhel Tac, the No. 33 recruit in the Class of 2024, announced her commitment to South Carolina women’s basketball Friday.
She's is the second 2024 commitment for Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks.
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Kamilla Cardoso is not dressed today at Kentucky, USC confirmed. Dawn Staley after the Alabama game Thursday (which Cardoso sat out of in order to rest):
"However she's feeling, if she's not close to 80-90%, we'll sit her down for another game. But I know she wants to play."
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#BREAKING
: The Alligator confirmed that a
#Gators
football assistant coach tested positive for COVID-19. Out of respect for the individual, we will not disclose their identity.
@alligatorSports
@TheAlligator
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After a weekend's worth of anticipation and buildup, Jocelyn Alo announced that she'll make her pro softball debut with
@wprofastpitch
. For
@YahooSports
, I spoke with some folks around the sport about the impact she could have on its professional scene.
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A professor once told me that you can't do good journalism without a roof over your head. I'll never understand the compulsion to romanticize poverty the way people do in this field. Using your platform to invalidate struggles of those with less privilege than you? That ain't it.
One other layer...for future journalists...your first few years feel unpaid. I made 16.5k my first two years and worked harder than I’ve ever worked. There is a reason not everyone makes it in this business. I don’t have time for those of you who don’t understand grind ✌🏼
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South Carolina c/o 2024 target Joyce Edwards (No. 2 overall recruit) will make her college decision Wednesday.
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Today’s starting lineup:
Te-Hina Paopao
Sania Feagin
Bree Hall
Raven Johnson
Kamilla Cardoso
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Happy Selection Sunday from Colonial Life Arena, where
#Gamecocks
fans are awaiting a watch party with the team.
No. 1 overall seed a lock, but anxiously awaiting South Carolina’s path to championship No. 3
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Here at Colonial Life Arena for South Carolina vs. Maryland.
Other notable folks in attendance:
- Tiffany Mitchell (jersey retirement)
- A’ja Wilson
- The following Freshies (SEC championship/Final Four rings postgame): Aliyah Boston, Olivia Thompson, Zia Cooke, Brea Beal
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Let’s do this thing!
All 10 available
#Gamecocks
are here warming up ahead of tonight’s Final Four game versus No. 3 NC State
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Remember when Bree Hall hit a game-cementing 3 in the final minutes at UNC? She just hit a triple here in BR to put USC up 70-67 with less than 3 min in Q4...
Bree Hall struggled w self doubt. 'What ifs' consumed her. And she had a hard time letting Dawn Staley in.
But over USC's last 12 games, Hall has stood taller, smiled wider & led the Gamecocks as their most accurate shooter.
How she got her groove back⬇️
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Chatted with
@_dorianbranch
this week about her work as a WBB agent and experience working with South Carolina's MiLaysia Fulwiley. Learned a lot!
On navigating the ever-changing NIL landscape + what goes into curating deals for the freshman phenom⬇️
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They just played 'Sandstorm' here at MVP Arena during a timeout of the Notre Dame-Oregon State game, and there's pockets of South Carolina fans waiving their white towels from home along to the song
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Freshman guard Tessa Johnson (who sprained her ankle during shootaround before the Clemson game) is back with South Carolina tonight.
Coach Dawn Staley said Johnson practiced yesterday.
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📍Checking in from the team hotel
English translation:
“Hello from the South Carolina women's basketball team!
#WeLoveParis
”
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Today is the last day of my internship with
@YahooSports
. I’m so thankful for this opportunity and can’t wait to share some special bylines in the next week or so. Big thanks to everyone but especially
@JohannaHuybers
,
@CasNegley
,
@AlTobyYahoo
for your guidance and encouragement.
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It’s officially Childhood Cancer Awareness Month!! To celebrate, here are some pics of me from biopsy/diagnosis (1) to the infamous hair loss (2), height of treatment (3), and celebrating remission (4) 💛💜🎗
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