(AP Photo/Sean Rayford, File)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) It certainly was a big day for Dawn Staley. South Carolina's national championship coach thought it was just as important for women's basketball and gender equity.

Staley and the school announced a new, seven-year contract that will pay her $2.9 million this season and grow to $3.5 million in the final season. She also believes the $22.4 million deal should make an impact on her sport and in the equality of what men and women's coaches and athletes receive from their schools.

"Who knew? Who knew this would take place during my tenure at South Carolina," she said Friday.

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