July 11, 2013

South Carolina women’s basketball plays its games in Colonial Life Arena, but that is just the most visible of the amazing facilities the Gamecocks enjoy. A few members of this season’s team shared their thoughts on some of those places for this week’s blog.

Colonial Life Arena

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2012-13, the $65 million, 18,000-seat Colonial Life Arena is one of the finest sports and entertainment venues in the Southeast.

Stepping into Colonial Life Arena on game day is like stepping onto another planet – one where Gamecock basketball is the law of the land! Playing there is an amazing opportunity that I embrace every game. All I can think of is “Leave it all out there, make those fans proud and protect this house.” – Sophomore Asia Dozier

The Gamecocks have averaged 3,264 fans per game in head coach Dawn Staley’s five seasons, including the Feb. 20, 2013, game that saw 10,101 cheer on the team, the second-largest crowd in women’s basketball program history at the facility.

Colonial Life Arena Locker Room

The locker room is so beautiful. It’s a great place for us to get ready for the game, where we can really get our minds focused. – Senior Wilka Montout

Redshirt sophomore Tina Roy says that the 16-seat state-of-the-art film room is her favorite part of the locker room area.

Practice Facility Locker Room

Imagine sharing an oversized bedroom with 11 sisters, and you have our locker room at the practice facility. The things we do there are things most people would do in the privacy of their own room, from dancing like we’re in music videos to laying back and watching TV to telling each other how long our day has been. It is truly a second home to our dorm rooms! – Sophomore Asia Dozier

Dodie Anderson Academic Enrichment Center

All the sports come together at the Dodie, so we get to meet and bond with people outside of basketball. It’s also where we EAT, and that’s really important! – Senior Wilka Montout

The Dodie is one place on campus that I can honestly say makes me feel even more blessed to be a student-athlete. The availability of the computer labs, printers, tutors, advisors and anything else you could possibly need academically is mind blowing. Taking advantage of those things has brought me plenty of success in the classroom so far, and there is only more to come. – Sophomore Asia Dozier