Heartbroken Dawn Staley Confesses Her Pain Over Father’s Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mathey Gibson | Last updated May 23, 2025 5:36 PM ET

One of the greatest coaches in basketball history is getting candid—and emotional.

South Carolina women's basketball head coach Dawn Staley recently opened up about a painful childhood memory during an appearance on "The Breakfast Club," shedding light on a pivotal moment that shaped her career.

In the interview, Staley recounted an instance from her early teens when her father denied her the opportunity to participate in a basketball competition outside of Philadelphia.

She described the experience as deeply hurtful, admitting that it led to feelings of resentment towards her father at the time.

@dawnstaley came through to discuss her new 'Uncommon Favor'. She dives into her upbringing on and off the court, and how it influences her coaching style! pic.twitter.com/I4EiCSK9Ba
— The Breakfast Club (@breakfastclubam) May 22, 2025

"I don't know if I was 12 or 14, maybe. I got invited to play on this team in this competition outside of Philly, like it was a road trip, and my father was like, 'No, you can't go.' That hurt me, like it really hurt me," Staley shared. "I remembered it so vividly... I didn't like my father for that decision."

Reflecting on the incident, Staley acknowledged that her father's decision was rooted in parental concern, especially considering her young age at the time.

However, she also recognized that the experience instilled in her a drive to overcome obstacles and fueled her passion for the game.

"As I'm older now and reflecting on it, I know that I need conflict. I need it; it helps me drive," she explained.

Staley's revelation offers a glimpse into the personal challenges she faced on her path to becoming one of the most respected figures in women's basketball.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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