COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – The 2024-2025 school year marks the 50th anniversary of women’s varsity sports at the University of South Carolina.

The university celebrated generations of female student-athletes and moments that helped define Gamecock Athletics.

More than 250 former Carolina athletes took part in a halftime parade during Sunday’s basketball game against Texas. Six decades and every varsity sport was represented during the parade.

“It is amazing,” said Dawn Ellerbee, former track and field athlete and member of the USC Athletics Hall of Fame. “We should realize we are a part of history at the University of South Carolina.”

All of the ladies were excited for this special reunion and to have their accomplishments recognized.

“I’m so happy to be back and honored to be a part of this,” Ellerbee continued.

The university also celebrated with a reception Sunday morning at Williams Brice Stadium.

The attendees included USC Athletics Hall of Fame inductees and members of the First 18; the first group of women awarded athletics scholarships at the university.

“It was probably one of the most meaningful moments of my time here in Carolina because it was a start,” said Nona Kerr, a member of the First 18. During her time at USC, she played on the women’s basketball team, while also playing tennis and softball.

Kerr continued, “It was the beginning of something that was going to be fantastic.”

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