Dawn Staley, the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, made a special appearance at Columbia University's softball team on Wednesday evening, May 7, 2025. The Columbia Softball team posted on X about Staley's visit, stating, "An Evening with the GOAT! Giving us the Championship word! Thanks to @dawnstaley for spending time with us this evening." They also shared two pictures and a video of Staley speaking to the girls on Zoom. In a heartfelt response, Staley quote-tweeted the original post, saying, "Thank you for allowing me in your space. Put your habits on display and lean in on your teammates and @JenTeague24 and coaches! Winners win!!"
During the offseason, the 55-year-old basketball coach has been keeping herself busy. Staley has been very active on social media lately, promoting her upcoming book, "Uncommon Favor," which is set to be released on May 20, 2025. She will also kick off a book tour at the end of the month, further engaging with her fans and supporters.
On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Staley congratulated her former player A'ja Wilson on her impressive new Nike collection. Wilson, who played for the Gamecocks from 2014 to 2018, has made significant strides in her professional career and continues to shine as a star in the WNBA.
Just last Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the city of Columbia, South Carolina, honored Staley with a statue during a special ceremony, recognizing her numerous contributions to the community and the game of basketball. Staley is a Hall of Fame basketball player and a highly respected coach, known for her dedication and impact on the sport.
As a player, Staley was a three-time Olympic gold medalist and also won gold as the head coach of Team USA. She starred at the University of Virginia before embarking on a successful WNBA career. Since taking the helm of the South Carolina Gamecocks in 2008, Staley has led her team to three national championships (2017, 2022, and 2024) and seven Final Four appearances. Her achievements have made her the first Black coach in NCAA Division I basketball history to win three national championships, a monumental milestone that highlights her influence in the sport.
In a recent interview on May 7, 2025, former South Carolina standout Te-Hina Paopao, who is now a rookie for the Atlanta Dream, shared her experience transitioning from college to professional basketball. Paopao humorously noted the differences in her game day routine, stating, "What's new [between college and the pros] is that I have my own room. I also didn't have to ask permission to leave the hotel, I thought that was so cool!" Her comments quickly went viral, amassing over 130,000 views on X in less than six hours.
Fans of Paopao and Staley alike took to social media to express their admiration for Staley's coaching style. One fan commented, "Graduated from Dawn’s daycare!! 😭😔," in response to a video featuring Paopao's remarks. Another fan added, "She said we really grown grown now. Te-Hina Paopao and that’s how you know Dawn ran a tight ship. No games being played. They didn’t even think about leaving without her permission. I respect it." These reactions highlight the respect and admiration players have for Staley's leadership and the discipline she instills in her program.
Paopao's light-hearted comments about the perks of being a professional athlete, such as having her own room and not needing permission to leave the hotel, resonate with many who have experienced the transition from college to the pros. The fun and candid nature of her remarks provide a glimpse into the camaraderie and trust that former players have with Staley, showcasing how her coaching style has fostered a strong bond with her athletes.
Staley’s impact extends beyond the basketball court, as her recent statue unveiling in Columbia serves as a testament to her legacy. The statue represents not only her accomplishments as a coach and player but also her role as a mentor and leader in the community. As she continues to inspire young athletes, Staley’s influence on the game of basketball remains profound.
As the Gamecocks prepare for the upcoming season, Staley's leadership will be crucial in maintaining the program's success. With her recent book release and ongoing engagements, she is sure to keep the momentum going, both on and off the court. The excitement surrounding her endeavors, along with the achievements of her former players, speaks to the lasting impact she has made in women’s basketball.
As the offseason progresses, fans will be eager to see what Staley accomplishes next, both in her personal projects and with the Gamecocks. Her dedication to fostering talent and promoting the sport continues to set a high standard for coaches and players alike.
With a solid foundation built over the years, Staley's Gamecocks look poised for another successful season, and her recent engagements only add to the anticipation. As she balances her coaching responsibilities with her new book and community initiatives, her influence will undoubtedly continue to resonate throughout the basketball world.
In the ever-evolving landscape of women’s sports, Staley stands as a beacon of excellence, guiding the next generation of athletes and inspiring them to reach their full potential. The future is bright for both her and the Gamecocks as they strive for greatness in the seasons to come.
