South Carolina sports writer Pete Iacobelli and Des Moines, Iowa-based photographer Charlie Neibergall had exclusive behind-the-scenes access during top-ranked South Carolina’s run to the women’s NCAA championship, the pair delivering unique content in the highly competitive environment of the game’s biggest stage.
South Carolina's LeLe Grissett plays table tennis in the players’ lounge at the team’s hotel for the Women's Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament in Minneapolis, March 31, 2022.
AP Photo / Charlie Neibergall
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley speaks to her team during a film session at the Women’s Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament in Minneapolis, April 2, 2022.
AP Photo / Charlie Neibergall
From left, South Carolina players Aliyah Boston, Sania Feagin, Destiny Littleton and Laeticia Amihere wait for an elevator after a film study session at the team’s hotel at the Women’s Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament in Minneapolis, March 31, 2022.
AP Photo / Charlie Neibergall
South Carolina's Sania Feagin, left, and Zia Cooke play a video game in the the players’ lounge in their hotel at the Women’s Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament in Minneapolis, March 31, 2022.
AP Photo / Charlie Neibergall
South Carolina's Aliyah Boston, left, and Brea Beal sit in massage chairs in the players’ lounge at the team’s hotel at the Women’s Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament in Minneapolis, March 31, 2022.
AP Photo / Charlie Neibergall
Iacobelli has established a good rapport with basketball coach Dawn Staley, who also has a long history with assistant sports editor Oscar Dixon. With those strong AP ties, Staley allowed Iacobelli to join the team during the Final Four in Minneapolis. He teamed up with Des Moines, Iowa-based photographer Charlie Neibergall to produce a widely used package that moved the morning after the Gamecocks captured their second national title under Staley.
In addition to that exclusive, Iacobelli also spoke to Staley for a story on gender equity as well as an upcoming profile on the coach.