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The South Carolina Gamecocks just pulled off a stunner this past weekend, knocking off #10 Texas A&M, but it wasn’t just the scoreboard that had fans buzzing. Nope, it was the viral locker room serenade from head coach Shane Beamer that stole the show, and of course, A’ja Wilson couldn’t resist throwing in her two cents — or rather, four perfect words.
Wilson, a proud Gamecock alum, watched from afar as Beamer and his squad belted out Fantasia’s “When I See U” in the locker room like they were auditioning for the next season of American Idol. And her reaction? Simple but priceless: “This is so cute.” Well, of course, it’s cute, A’ja. Anytime a college football coach croons a 2006 R&B hit instead of calling another X’s and O’s, it’s nothing short of adorable. Somewhere, Simon Cowell is shaking his head.
Beamer, who probably could’ve gone with a safer “Happy Birthday” option, had other plans. With his entire team backing him up, the Gamecocks’ head coach dedicated the song to his wife, Emily, as a birthday gift. Now, nothing says “I love you” quite like an entire football team singing Fantasia in unison after an upset win — especially when it’s all caught on camera for the world to enjoy. Who needs roses when you’ve got 300-pound linemen harmonizing, right?
A’ja Wilson: Forever a Gamecock Queen
Wilson, who led the Gamecocks to a 2017 NCAA championship and apparently still has them on speed dial, shared the viral clip on her Instagram story with her trademark blend of sass and support. Honestly, A’ja’s like that cool older sister who graduated but still hangs around to throw shade and cheer at the same time. And you know what? The Gamecocks wouldn’t have it any other way.
By the way, if you’ve been living under a rock, the South Carolina basketball superstar is set to have her legendary No. 22 jersey retired next February. That’s right, folks, on February 2, 2025, the Colonial Life Arena will be all about Her Majesty A’ja. She’ll likely roll up in there like she owns the place, and frankly, she does.
Beamer’s Boys Make Noise
But let’s not forget the football game itself, shall we? Freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers was a one-man wrecking crew, throwing for 244 yards and three total touchdowns. Sellers also racked up 106 rushing yards, because apparently one position just wasn’t enough for him. And running back Raheim Sanders? Oh, no big deal — just 236 total yards and two touchdowns. Casual.
This win pushes South Carolina to a 5-3 record, and while the College Football Playoff isn’t exactly in the cards this season (dream big, though, kids), the Gamecocks are still out here causing all kinds of chaos. Who’s next on the chopping block? Vanderbilt, Missouri, and Wofford, which means more locker room serenades could be in our future. Beamer might need to add some Luther Vandross to the playlist if things keep going this way.
Final Thoughts: A’ja Wilson, Gamecock Royalty
A’ja Wilson might be dominating the WNBA, but her heart — and apparently her sarcasm — will always belong to South Carolina. Her four-word reaction perfectly sums up the Gamecocks’ locker room celebration: chaotic, cute, and a whole lot of fun.
So, as Beamer and his boys get ready for their next battle, we’ll just sit here, waiting for A’ja’s next gem of a comment — and maybe a few more Fantasia-inspired moments.