ALEX HICKS JR./STAFF / USA TODAY NETWORK

South Carolina Announces Historic Dawn Staley News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jan 17, 2025 1:12 PM ET

Dawn Staley is one of the most decorated figures in college basketball history, both as a player and a coach. Her sustained greatness throughout her journey in women's basketball speaks volumes, and her achievements continue to shape the landscape of the sport.

A graduate of the University of Virginia, Staley is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, a five-time WNBA All-Star, and a three-time Kodak All-American. She led Virginia to three straight Final Fours and was named the National Player of the Year in 1991 and 1992.

While her playing career was exceptional, Staley's accomplishments as a coach have arguably surpassed those of her playing days. Most notably, as the head coach at the University of South Carolina, which she made history with on Friday.

Staley has reportedly signed an extension with the university to remain as head coach through 2030, making her the highest-paid coach in women's college basketball history. The deal is worth approximately $25 million.

Our signed through through 2029-30 – highest paid coach in NCAA WBB history!https://t.co/MPWLHKGQiX pic.twitter.com/ptILWeVuk9
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) January 17, 2025

Staley is a five-time National Coach of the Year, seven-time SEC Coach of the Year, and has led South Carolina to three national championships, with the most recent one coming in 2024.

In addition to her coaching success, Staley is a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and made history as the first person to win the prestigious Naismith Award as both a player and a coach—an achievement that will forever be a cornerstone of her legacy in basketball.

Following the South Carolina Gamecocks' national championship win in 2024, NBA icon LeBron James took to social media to praise Dawn Staley's impact on the game of basketball.

"Protect Dawn Staley AT ALL COST!! No if, ands or buts!” James posted in April.

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

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