Dawn Staley, a respected figure in women’s coaching, brings a wealth of experience from both the college and Olympic arenas, placing honesty and discipline at the forefront of her leadership approach. Often seen alongside players like Raven Johnson during discussions at South Carolina basketball games, Staley’s coaching philosophy revolves around meeting her players “where they are at.”

As the head coach of the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team, currently holding the top spot in national rankings, Staley stands as a beacon of leadership during a time of burgeoning interest in women’s sports worldwide. With an illustrious career as a Hall of Fame point guard, she has clinched three Olympic gold medals as a player and one as a coach. Now in her 16th year at South Carolina, Staley recently led her team to its second consecutive undefeated regular season and sets her sights on securing a third national collegiate title. Originating from Philadelphia, Staley is renowned not only for her coaching prowess but also for her outspoken advocacy for gender and racial equity, both within sports and beyond.

Evident in her coaching wardrobe, where she often sports a red South Carolina cardigan over a black shirt bearing the empowering slogan, “Everyone watches women’s sports,” Staley uses fashion as a means of making bold statements. Reflecting on the evolving landscape of women’s sports, Staley acknowledges the increased accessibility and demand for the game, emphasizing the importance of sharing the stories of women athletes and the impact they have on the sport. Despite challenges, Staley remains optimistic about the enduring strength of women’s basketball across all levels, from collegiate to professional leagues like the W.N.B.A., and even in high school. With younger generations growing up with greater exposure to women’s basketball, she foresees a significant surge in interest during events such as the Olympics.

Rooted in her upbringing and influenced by her mother’s teachings, Staley attributes her coaching philosophy to the values of honesty and discipline instilled in her from a young age. Through her leadership and advocacy efforts, Staley continues to elevate the profile of women’s sports while empowering young athletes to strive for excellence both on and off the court.