Biden then turned the microphone over to Staley, who said the moment “is not lost on me.” Staley declined to visit the White House after the Gamecocks won their first national championship in 2017, during the early stages of Donald Trump’s presidency. They also did not celebrate their 2022 title in Washington due to apparent scheduling issues.

Staley called Tuesday’s visit “a teachable moment for my team” and referenced a 2015 decision to remove the confederate flag – “a symbol that represented division and exclusion” – from outside South Carolina’s state capitol.

“That moment wasn’t just about a symbol being removed. It was about people coming together, uniting for a shared vision of progress, justice and equality,” Staley said. “Today, my staff, my team and I stand here embodying diversity, inclusiveness and unity. My hope is that this moment lands on you, as my team, as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can come from unifying for a common goal and doing things the right way.”

After a round of applause, Biden returned to the microphone.

“All those of you who hold public office in South Carolina: You better hope she keeps coaching and doesn’t run,” he said to laughter.