South Carolina Coach Shares Strong Dawn Staley Statement on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated May 4, 2025 11:49 AM ET

Dawn Staley has built a college basketball powerhouse with the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Staley recently led South Carolina to the national title game. The Gamecocks defeated Tennessee Tech, Indiana, Maryland, Duke and Texas en route to a championship matchup against the UConn Huskies.

While South Carolina suffered a loss to UConn in the national championship, five wins in the NCAA Tournament marked another successful season under Staley.

After the season, as Staley and her coaching staff prepare for another championship journey, the Gamecocks' head coach celebrated her 55th birthday.

Amid the special day for Staley, South Carolina associate head coach Lisa Boyer sent a message to the Gamecocks coach.

Boyer referred Staley as an "incredible human being" and "ONE OF ONE."

"It’s time to wish our best girl @dawnstaley a VERY VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!" Boyer posted on X. "Many know her as “Coach” but she is an incredible human being. ONE OF ONE!!! Love me some Dawnnie:):) Enjoy your day my friend."

It’s time to wish our best girl @dawnstaley a VERY VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Many know her as “Coach” but she is an incredible human being. ONE OF ONE!!! Love me some Dawnnie:):) Enjoy your day my friend.
— Lisa Boyer (@Coachboyer) May 4, 2025

Boyer has been on the South Carolina Gamecocks' coaching staff since 2008. She served as the Gamecocks' assistant coach from 2008 to 2010 and ultimately earned a promotion.

Boyer has been the associate head coach at South Carolina from 2010 to the present season.

Before working with Staley at South Carolina, Boyer also spent time at Virginia Tech, Davidson, Miami, East Carolina and several other collegiate programs.

Dawn Staley has been with the South Carolina Gamecocks since 2008.

During her time with the Gamecocks, Staley established herself as one of the greatest coaches in women's basketball history.

Staley has led South Carolina to three national championships, seven Final Four appearances, nine SEC regular-season titles and nine SEC Tournament titles.

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

More must-reads: