Granite Countertops in Columbia, SC
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The best countertops make a statement in your home that other features cannot. You've worked hard to incorporate unique designs and flavors throughout your home, so why should your countertops be any different?
At Real Deal Countertops, we aspire to combine the beauty and durability of natural stone with unrivaled, personalized attention to all customers. With the highest quality materials and the most helpful customer service, we give our clients the opportunity to make informed decisions that they feel good about for years. Our story in the countertop fabrication and manufacturing industry began more than 19 years ago, when Rafael Quedevez started out as a sales representative in Massachusetts. Working his way up through the ranks, Rafael soon made his way to South Carolina to open and manage his own companies. In 2013, we created real Deal Countertops. Since that time, we are proud to have served more than 5,000 customers in South Carolina and beyond.
Our leadership team combines more than 40 years of experience in the home remodeling service industry. Always striving to create a better product for our customers, we use the latest in robotics technologies and the sharpest minds in the business to craft countertops of unparalleled quality. Unlike other countertop companies in Columbia, SC, we only source the finest stone slabs in the world.
- Most Popular Countertops in Columbia, SC
- Marble Countertops in Columbia, SC
- Granite Countertops in Columbia, SC
- Quartz Countertops in Columbia, SC
- Silestone Countertops in Columbia, SC
- Quartzite Countertops in Columbia, SC
- Which Countertop is Right for You?
- How Will You Use Your Countertops in Columbia, SC
- How Much Upkeep Is Too Much?
- Which Colors and Materials Match Your Home's Aesthetics?
- Countertop Remodeling Done Right
- Inventory
At Real Deal Countertops, we offer a wide range of styles and materials to choose from, including:
Quartzite
Caesarstone
Silestone
Marble
Sensa
Pollar White
Vicostone
Quartz
We are committed to ensuring that granite, marble, and other unique, exotic stones are attainable to all who desire them. If you're in search of a trustworthy counter company with a team of knowledgeable, helpful experts, you have come to the right place!
Most Popular Countertops in Columbia, SC
Choosing the best countertops for your kitchen is an important decision, but it doesn't have to be a hard one. One of the best ways to narrow down your search is to find out what kind of countertop material you'd like to use. While it's true that material and style trends change over time, there are several counters that have always been top sellers.
Some of the most popular countertops we sell include:
Marble Countertops in Columbia, SC
There's no way around it - marble adds jaw-dropping beauty to just about any room and is known for its good looks. It is a dense stone that comes in many different hues like greens, browns, pinks, greys, whites, and more. While marble countertops often have otherworldly beauty, they can be susceptible to stains and cracks. Marble is also considered one of the most expensive counters to choose from, though the truth is marble comes in a wide range of qualities and prices.
- Pros: Stunning beauty, plenty of beautiful choices.
- Cons: Not always used in kitchens due to chance of staining.
- Popular Colors: Portinari, Shadow Storm, Super White, Lumen, Calacatta Linconni, Nobulato Honned, Shadow, Grey Imperiale Honed.
Granite Countertops in Columbia, SC
When it comes to popularity, granite countertops take the cake. Granite countertops usually contain a blend of quartz, feldspar, mica, and other minerals. Granite can add an edge of elegance and even a country-chic feel to your kitchen, making it a well-rounded stone. Granite is durable and scratch-resistant, though it can require sealing and DIY chip repair.
- Pros: Luxurious, rich look featuring natural stone that is durable, heat resistant, and scratch-resistant.
- Cons: Hard material that may require DIY chip repair and sealing.
- Popular Colors: Blue Jeans, Creama Pearl, Alure, Galaxy White, Luna Pear, Steel Grey, Ubatuba, Oro Brazil.
Quartz Countertops in Columbia, SC
Quartz is a manufactured material that represents one of our favorite four-letter words: easy! If you're looking to add a high-end feel to your kitchen or bathroom, quartz is an excellent material to consider. Like granite, quartz countertops can add a decadent vibe to any room. Unlike granite, you may not have to seal quartz quite as often (if ever).
- Pros: Quartz countertops come in plenty of colors to choose from and are easy to clean. They are also strong, scratch-resistant, and don't require sealing.
- Cons: Quartz is not as heat resistant as other materials like granite counters. Sharp corners tend to crack, but that can be remedied with rounded corners.
- Popular Colors: Noble Grey, Raw Concrete, Frosty Carrina, Shitake, Pebble, Pietra Grey, Sierra Madre, Arctic.
Silestone Countertops in Columbia, SC
A manufactured material made from quartz crystals, Silestone countertops are equal parts gorgeous and practical. Known for being a durable, non-porous choice, Silestone is resistant to stains, scratches, and even some forms of bacteria. Homeowners who choose Silestone do so because they can get a high-end look without having to worry too much about maintenance. Silestone counters look great in many different homes, from contemporary abodes with modern accents to vintage-looking kitchens.
- Pros: Silestone countertops are non-porous, meaning germs and bacteria can't lodge themselves inside this material. This makes Silestone counters great for kitchens and bathrooms alike. This material also comes in a wide variety of colors and resists scratches and chips. Overall, Silestone is an excellent choice if you want to make a solid long-term investment without much upkeep.
- Cons: While Silestone is great if you're looking for a low-maintenance counter option, it can be sensitive to harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia. Silestone is also not recommended for outdoor use since the resins used to make the material do not do well with UV light.
- Popular Colors: Daria, Gray Expo, Lagoon, Calacatta Gold, Arctic, Blanco City, Gris Expo, Desert Silver
Quartzite Countertops in Columbia, SC
Not to be confused with quartz countertops, which are manmade, quartzite is a naturally occurring stone that is quarried much in the same way that granite is. If you're a fan of marble counters, quartzite mimics its looks without as much upkeep. Like granite, it is a very durable choice and adds an upscale feeling to almost any room you choose.
- Pros: Since it doesn't require any special cleaners, quartzite looks great without much maintenance. When it gets dirty, soap and water should be all you need to clean. Quartzite is also a great long-term option since it doesn't wear down quickly at all.
- Cons: Heat is required to form quartzite. However, you should avoid putting hot pots and pans on your quartzite countertops. Because quartzite comes in many different varieties, some forms of quartzite need to be sealed more often than others.
- Popular Colors: Maya, Fusion, Locomotion, Callacata, Airy Concrete, Cocada White
Which Countertop is Right for You?
If you're just beginning your search for new countertops, it can be a little overwhelming trying to whittle down your options. We've got good news - with over 19 years in the industry, our team of experts has learned a thing or two about countertops. When you come to the Real Deal Countertops showroom, one of our goals is to educate you about our products and your countertop options, so you can make an educated purchasing decision.
How Will You Use Your Countertops in Columbia?
The first and perhaps most crucial part of your countertop choice should stem from how you and your family use your countertops. For example, if you have kids, your counters will probably see a lot of activity. Between standard eating times and "in-between" meals that teens are known for, your counters might double as food prep stations. As such, you might need a countertop material that is resistant to most food and beverage stains. If you own a rental property that sees a lot of foot traffic from strangers, you might want to consider an economical material that is also durable.
- Do you cook a lot?
- Do you host a lot of parties?
- How long will you be living in your home?
- How long will you be living in your home?
Once you figure out exactly how you'll be using your countertops, you can begin to narrow down your choices.
How Much Upkeep Is Too Much?
Be realistic and honest with yourself about this question. Before you fall in love with how a countertop material looks, be sure you understand how much upkeep is needed. Some materials require more care, while others don't need much at all.
Keep these points in mind:
- Materials like quartz only need to be wiped down occasionally.
- Materials like granite, marble, and limestone will need to be sealed at least once a year.
- Some materials may be durable but aren't stain resistant.
The bottom line is this: Assess the maintenance demands that come along with the materials you're looking at. Marble countertops in Columbia, SC are elegant, but if you'e unwilling to keep them looking their best, why bother buying the material?
You should be aware that most countertop materials will require some form of upkeep, even if it' minimal. To help keep your counters in pristine condition, consider these care and precaution tips:
- Many common foods contain acids that will dull or even damage the surface of stone countertops.Use coasters to protect your counters, especially if you'e drinking something with citrus juices or alcohol.
- Do not place scalding hot pots or pans directly on your countertops.
- Use mats or trivets to place under hot dishes.
- If you spill liquid on your countertops, blot the spill with a paper towel ASAP. Wiping the spill will cause it to spread.
- Use mild soap and plain water to clean up stains.
Which Colors and Materials Match Your Home's Aesthetics?
For many homeowners, this question is almost always top-of-mind. After all, you want to choose colors and materials that fit well with other features in your home. When selecting your countertop materials, try to choose a tone that contrasts with your other amenities, like your cabinets. Don't go for a perfect match. As an example, black granite is a beautiful contrast to white cabinets.
Consider these questions when choosing your countertop materials:
- Are there one or two colors that you love more than others?
- Does your choice go well with the color of your kitchen's walls?
- Do you want to switch up your kitchen's style or keep it the same?
- Will you be painting your kitchen a different color in the future?
- Will you be replacing your appliances soon?
Real Deal Countertops Pro Tip:
Because your home's accessories and paint job may change with time, your countertops should have a versatile color. That way, you won't have problems matching them with new paint colors or appliances.
Countertop Remodeling Done Right
At Real Deal Countertops, our #1 priority is your satisfaction. Unlike some countertop companies in Columbia, we make it a point to exceed our customer's expectations. We strive for excellence with every transaction we complete and pledge to faithfully implement innovative techniques to ensure that our products remain affordable. With the help of Real Deal Countertops, remodeling your kitchen and bath will be painless and easy.
The appearance of a kitchen or bath depends on the right countertop selection, proper fabrication, and expert installation. Are you interested in granite countertops in Columbia, SC? Maybe quartzite is a better choice for your family. Whatever you choose, know that our skilled installers and fabricators will make a template so that all custom pieces fit perfectly in your home.
Countertop Installation for Debra Mahannah
Custom Countertops for Karen Gorski
Granite Countertops for John Bailey
Kitchen Countertops for Dorothy Mondello
Quartz Countertops for Mary Reese
Laminate Countertops for Matheus Nogueira
Countertop Replacement for Kaitlyn Richburg
New Countertop for Dean Zaumseil
Kitchen Remodel for OYZ Elite Strategies LLC
Marble Countertops for Charlotte Moore
Quartzite Countertops for Denise Aldridge
Bathroom Remodel for Melissa Harris
Countertops for William Lawson
Countertop Installation for Donna Youmans
Custom Countertops for Kevin Sarafin
Granite Countertops for Renee MacDonald
Kitchen Countertops for Tom North
Quartz Countertops for Ray Vasas
Laminate Countertops for Ted Pollack
Countertop Replacement for John Corcoran
New Countertop for John Mellis
Kitchen Remodel for Karen Downey
Marble Countertops for Mark Peterson
Quartzite Countertops for Brett Barbato
Bathroom Remodel for Drew Garlock
Ready to get started? Have questions about our inventory?
We're here to help answer all your questions. Please feel free to give our office a call today at 866-707-1414 Before you know it, you will be ready for your new set of Real Deal Countertops!
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Latest News in Columbia, SC
Fire safety tackled with Smoke Alarm Blitz in Columbia
Sam Shapirohttps://www.wistv.com/2025/03/22/fire-safety-tackled-with-smoke-alarm-blitz-columbia/
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The American Red Cross says people have as little as two minutes to escape a home fire the second a smoke alarm sounds. That’s why they joined SC State Fire and The Columbia-Richland Fire Department Saturday morning to give out hundreds of smoke alarms and fire safety information, tackling fire safety with a Smoke Alarm Blitz.Providing...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The American Red Cross says people have as little as two minutes to escape a home fire the second a smoke alarm sounds. That’s why they joined SC State Fire and The Columbia-Richland Fire Department Saturday morning to give out hundreds of smoke alarms and fire safety information, tackling fire safety with a Smoke Alarm Blitz.
Providing life-saving resources to communities who need it is what this smoke alarm blitz is all about.
Dozens of firefighters and volunteers from the American Red Cross gave out more than 160 smoke alarms across Colombia’s Hollywood Hills neighborhood... Also providing fire prevention, safety, and escape tips.
Hollywood Hills resident Connie Ashford says having smoke alarms installed at her house Saturday was a nice surprise for her and her 6-year-old daughter.
“We are so thrilled because we want to be proactive, and make sure we do all the things to teach our little one here to be safe in the case of a fire,” Ashford said.
The resources were provided to people living along Stanford Street, Hillvale Drive, Larchwood Drive, Beaverbrook Road, and other nearby streets.
Columbia-Richland Assistant Fire Marshal Bengie Leverett says the area needs resources and knowledge.
“We recently had a fire fatally out here I believe time in the early part of this year,” Leverett said, “We target those high-risk areas this is one of the 29203, 29204 areas that’s in high risk; that’s why we’re in this area.”
State fire officials plan to be back in the Columbia area again for another smoke alarm blitz soon.
Fire officials also say having two escape plans is crucial in any household and should be established between family.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
Copyright 2025 WIS. All rights reserved.
Statewide burn ban in effect as dry conditions increase fire risk
wltx.comhttps://www.wltx.com/article/news/local/burn-ban-south-carolina/101-bbcef7c0-2354-4cb2-8aad-400492bae96d
The Midlands will enjoy beautiful weather this weekend, but a statewide burn ban limits outdoor burning activities.COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Midlands is set to enjoy beautiful weather this weekend, but outdoor activities may be limited due to a statewide burn ban issued by the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The ban, which went into effect Friday night, restricts...
The Midlands will enjoy beautiful weather this weekend, but a statewide burn ban limits outdoor burning activities.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Midlands is set to enjoy beautiful weather this weekend, but outdoor activities may be limited due to a statewide burn ban issued by the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The ban, which went into effect Friday night, restricts various outdoor burning activities in the state.
“We're seeing high and gusty winds, also very low relative humidity and very dry fuels across the state,” said Madeline Stewart, a spokesperson for the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
Under the current ban, outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires, and other recreational fires, are not allowed in any unincorporated areas of South Carolina.
“Fuels in the wildfire world is anything that a fire would consume, so think leaves, vegetative debris, pine straw, grass, all those types of things,” Stewart said.
For campers, this means they’ll have to find alternative ways to enjoy their outdoor experience. Cindy Clemmer, a camper at one local campground, was looking forward to a traditional wood fire for s’mores and family time. However, after learning about the burn ban, she adjusted her plans.
“One of our dads over here happened to be at the Walmart and we asked the rangers if propane was legal and it was within the guidelines of what we could do so dad came back with a propane fire pit and we planned to have a little tiny campfire time around a propane fire tonight,” Clemmer explained.
Despite the burn ban, there are still ways to enjoy the outdoors. John Wells, park manager of Sesquicentennial State Park, mentioned that people can still picnic and grill.
“We urge you to use a gas grill instead of the charcoal because right now we're having to be very careful with embers going out and causing potential camp fires,” Wells said.
For those missing the campfire experience, Wells suggested some creative alternatives. “Have glow parties with glow sticks and card games and all kinds of board games with battery-powered lanterns in the campground, so there’s alternatives to get around the campfire ban for this weekend.”
The South Carolina Forestry Commission also issued a note of caution regarding outdoor grilling. “Technically, outdoor grilling, when you're making food for immediate human consumption, is allowed, but of course, we want to keep everybody safe and during this burning ban, we strongly recommend that people hold off on outdoor grilling,” Stewart said.
The burn ban remains in effect until the South Carolina Forestry Commission lifts it. Residents are encouraged to stay safe and check for updates from the commission before planning activities.
What time is South Carolina vs Tennessee Tech today? Time, TV schedule to watch March Madness game
Nick Grayhttps://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/usc/2025/03/21/south-carolina-womens-basketball-tennessee-tech-time-today-tv-schedule-march-madness-streaming/82416614007/
South Carolina women's basketball opens ...
South Carolina women's basketball opens March Madness with Friday's first-round game against Tennessee Tech in Columbia.
The Gamecocks (30-3) earned a 1-seed after sweeping through the SEC Tournament two weeks ago.
The Golden Eagles (26-5) have won 17 games in a row coming into Friday's matchup, earning the OVC's automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament with an OT win over Lindenwood in the OVC Tournament final on March 8.
Friday's winner will face the Utah-Indiana winner in a second-round matchup on Sunday for a spot in the Sweet 16.
What time does South Carolina women's basketball play Tennessee Tech in March Madness today?
Where to watch South Carolina women's basketball vs. Tennessee Tech in March Madness
South Carolina vs. Tennessee Tech will broadcast nationally on ESPN. Courtney Lyle and Carolyn Peck will call the game at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Greenville News prediction for South Carolina women's basketball vs. Tennessee Tech in March Madness
Greenville News reporter Lulu Kesin's prediction: South Carolina 85, Tennessee Tech 52
It's difficult to bet against the Gamecocks, especially in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Te-Hina Paopao finishes with a team-high in her second to last game at home.
NCAA Women's Tournament schedule, bracket
Regional 2 -- Birmingham
In Columbia, S.C. (Friday)
In College Park, Maryland (Saturday)
In Chapel Hill, N.C. (Saturday)
In Durham, N.C. (Friday)
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Weather impact alert: Red flag fire alert in effect until further notice
wltx.comhttps://www.wltx.com/article/weather/weather-impact-alert-red-flag-fire-alert-in-effect-until-further-notice-daniel-bonds/101-6346a1a5-87d7-4e8e-8dfd-0195b287567b
A burn ban is in effect for Lexington County. Residents should check local restrictions before burning.Credit: WLTXCOLUMBIA, S.C. — A dry airmass is set to dominate South Carolina through the weekend, bringing near-to-above-normal temperatures and elevated fire weather concerns to the state. The most critical fire danger conditions are expected on Saturday due to gusty winds and low relative humidity. However, a shift in weather patterns will occur...
A burn ban is in effect for Lexington County. Residents should check local restrictions before burning.
Credit: WLTX
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A dry airmass is set to dominate South Carolina through the weekend, bringing near-to-above-normal temperatures and elevated fire weather concerns to the state. The most critical fire danger conditions are expected on Saturday due to gusty winds and low relative humidity. However, a shift in weather patterns will occur late Sunday as moisture returns, leading to increased rain chances with the arrival of another cold front.
Today through Tonight
Sunny skies are forecast for today. Afternoon dew points are forecasted to drop to or below 20 degrees, significantly increasing fire danger despite diminishing winds. Temperatures are expected to be in the middle 60s this afternoon.
Credit: WLTX
Overnight, winds are expected to increase. This increase in wind speeds may prevent temperatures from dropping too low, with overnight lows forecasted in the upper 30s to low 40s.
Saturday and Sunday: Fire Danger and Changing Conditions
Saturday
The region will remain under a very dry airmass with critical fire weather conditions. A cold front will pass through by Saturday evening, but ahead of it, westerly winds at the surface and above will drive relative humidity values down. Gusts of 20-30 mph are expected during the afternoon, further increasing the fire risk. The combination of dry fuels, low humidity, and windy conditions makes Saturday a high-risk fire weather day.
The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a statewide red flag fire alert on Thursday, continuing until further notice. Though the alert does not ban outdoor burning, residents are urged to postpone any fires, as recent wildfire activity has been significantly above average. The alert will remain in effect until conditions improve, and residents should check local restrictions before burning.
Temperatures on Saturday will be above normal, with highs reaching the mid-70s before cooling into the upper 30s to low 40s overnight. Winds will begin to lighten in the evening and shift northwesterly before becoming variable by Sunday morning.
Sunday
While the dry airmass will persist through most of Sunday, moisture levels will begin to rise by late afternoon ahead of an approaching cold front. Winds will shift to a southeasterly and then southerly direction at 5-10 mph. Relative humidity values will still drop to 25-30% in the afternoon, posing continued fire weather concerns despite the lighter winds.
Temperatures will climb into the upper 70s. By Sunday night, moisture levels will rise, with rain chances arriving Monday morning as a cold front moves through.
There is an elevated risk of wildfires today and probably through the weekend. Temperatures will warm over the weekend. Here is the this morning's forecast.
Posted by Daniel Bonds on Friday, March 21, 2025
Monday Through Thursday
Monday
Rain chances will increase as a cold front moves through in the afternoon and evening. While there is a slight chance of thunderstorms, the chance remains low. Cloud cover will keep temperatures cooler than Sunday, with highs in the lower 70s. Winds may be gusty ahead of the front but are expected to calm by Tuesday.
Tuesday Through Thursday
A generally dry pattern is expected for the remainder of the week as upper-level troughing continues over the eastern U.S. Moisture levels are projected to remain low, keeping conditions mostly dry. Another front may approach mid-to-late week, but with the existing dry airmass, significant precipitation is unlikely. Temperatures will stay near to above average, and fire weather concerns may return due to persistently low humidity levels.
March Madness offers same perks for SC and Columbia. That includes new money for women
DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writerhttps://abcnews4.com/news/local/march-madness-offers-same-perks-for-south-carolina-and-columbia-that-includes-new-money-for-women-wciv-abc-news-4-ncaa-tournament-march-madness-wcbb
FILE - UNC Greensboro head coach Trina Patterson directs her team in the first half of a semifinal NCAA college basketball game for the Southern Conference tournament, March 6, 2020, in Asheville, N.C. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek, File)CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — The Columbia women’s basketball team plays in an intimate 2,700-seat gym nestled in Manhattan that is nowhere to be found on the national sports landscape. Now the Lions and all the other starry-eyed dreamers in the NCAA Tournament are being serenaded just like former n...
FILE - UNC Greensboro head coach Trina Patterson directs her team in the first half of a semifinal NCAA college basketball game for the Southern Conference tournament, March 6, 2020, in Asheville, N.C. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek, File)
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — The Columbia women’s basketball team plays in an intimate 2,700-seat gym nestled in Manhattan that is nowhere to be found on the national sports landscape. Now the Lions and all the other starry-eyed dreamers in the NCAA Tournament are being serenaded just like former national champions UConn, South Carolina or Tennessee.
And this year, they're all getting paid to be there.
The star treatment this year goes beyond charter flights, hotel accommodations and coveted swag. For the first time, women's teams are getting an individual share of the profits, a perk men's teams have enjoyed for years.
It should be this way. We should be able to fly charter,” said UNC Greensboro coach Trina Patterson, whose Spartans will take a charter flight to play a game for the first time. “We are all playing in the same March Madness, the treatment for the men and women should be equal. We get a unit!"
That's correct, each women's team in the tournament will get a “unit” — money that is paid to conferences when one of its teams appears in the NCAA Tournament. The formula and definition of a unit can be complicated, but the bottom line is conferences will receive $113,000 for each game one of its women’s team plays in the tournament.
Columbia reached the tournament last year, but neither the Lions nor the Ivy League received money for the appearance.
READ MORE | "In March Madness, the women still have more stars and perhaps more people watching too"
“You got to start somewhere and I think we've been so far behind,” said Columbia coach Megan Griffith. “I think of Sedona Prince and it's really cool to see that she's still able to play at a high level on a big stage. This is more like the whipped cream. I think the cherry on top is going to keep coming, but this it's really good so far."
Prince's video from 2020 that shed light on the inequalities between the men's and women's tournament helped spearhead change in the tournament.
Patterson is now with UNCG but she knows what its like to be one of the marquee teams. She played at Virginia in the 1980s when Geno Auriemma was an assistant at the school. Patterson then went on to be an assistant coach at Stanford for a few years under Tara VanDerveer.
Her 16th-seeded team will enjoy the comforts of the cross-country charter flight from Greensboro to Los Angeles, where they will try to knock off JuJu Watkins and No. 1-seeded Southern California. It's UNCG's first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 1998.
This is all new for William & Mary, which is making its first appearance but has the chance to earn two financial units. They are in the play-in game against High Point on Thursday with the winner facing No. 1 seed Texas.
“It should have always been that way. Women’s basketball has been fighting for equality for a very long time,” said William & Mary coach Erin Dickerson Davis, who was the associate head coach at Wake Forest, an assistant at Georgetown and has also coached at Towson, Illinois State, La Salle and Furman.
“I've been in this business for many, many years," Davis said. "I played college basketball, it's a long time coming."
It is the Tribe's first trip to March Madness in either men's or women's basketball.
“Everyone is so excited about the experience, going from the bus directly to the plane, everyone was so happy,” Davis said. “Yes, we’re here on a business trip and we want to win. But just to be able to have these experiences for them that no one has done at William & Mary is special.”
READ MORE | "UCLA , South Carolina headline AP Top 25 women's poll and are top seeds in NCAA Tournament"
Several of the players at Columbia can relate. They aren't in Chapel Hill for spring break. They are here to win. But that doesn't mean they aren't taking time to enjoy the moment.
“It was cool going to the charter and we've been taking it all in,” junior Perri Page said. “But it's a business trip and we have a goal in mind.”
The Lions' schedule this week has mirrored most schools' travel itinerary. There was the building anticipation on the bus ride from their New York campus to Newark Airport for their pride-filled one-hour charter flight to Chapel Hill and the giddiness that comes with picking up that tournament swag on Wednesday.
Yes, there is a game to be played Thursday night. A pretty big one at that.
But what a ride to get here — with a paycheck looming to top it off.
“We've been enjoying the whole season," Page said, adding, “It's great we can make money for the school now.”
Patterson, the former Virginia Cavalier, Stanford Cardinal and now UNCG Spartan summed it up when she said: “It’s great for women’s basketball.”
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