Dawn Staley has continually produced multiple first-round WNBA draft picks while simultaneously being a leader in advocating for women’s sports. Staley has an extensive history in basketball and a decorated list of accomplishments. Staley was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and also inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame the following year in 2013. She has been in the headlines even more than ever this year as her South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team continues to soar above expectations.
Last year, Staley coached her Gamecocks to the 2023 Final Four for the third consecutive year. Her team also remained undefeated until the Final Four when No. 2 Iowa, led by basketball sensation Caitlin Clark, beat them 77-73 to go on to the national championship game. Coach Staley lost a big part of her team's core in the 2023 WNBA Draft — two-time Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Aliyah Boston, Laeticia Amihere, Zia Cook, and Brea Beal. Many were claiming that South Carolina would take a step back but Staley knew otherwise. As of February 15, her team remains undefeated — the only team to remain undefeated across men’s and women’s college basketball. She is a powerful coach and woman in the game.
- Alexa Stone
FanSided Contributor