WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump on Friday congratulated college sports champions at the White House, hailing the players as "great athletes."
The White House said 18 NCAA teams planned to attend the reception; South Carolina's women's basketball team declined the invitation.
Teams including the Texas A&M women's equestrian team, Penn State women's rugby team, and the Washington's women's rowing team gathered around the White House grounds to be recognized for their championships.
Trump posed for photos with the players throughout the White House and then sent them off to the Oval Office for a quick tour.