South Carolina HC Dawn Staley becomes highest-paid coach in NCAA women's basketball history

Staley was hired before the 2008-09 season and led South Carolina into the NCAA tournament during the 2011-12 campaign. Since then, the Gamecocks have been in the tournament every year except the COVID-19 season, which canceled it. 

The Gamecocks dominated in 2024, going 38-0 and winning the National Championship. They became the first team since the 2015-16 UConn Huskies to go undefeated and win the title.

The contract extension for Staley wasn't the only big basketball news with her name connected to it announced this week.

On Thursday, Staley and legendary Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski were announced as the 2025 FIBA Hall of Fame class's headliner. Staley was the player headliner, and Coach K was the coach headliner.

Staley led two FIBA World Cup Championships and collected 10 gold medals during her playing days. She transitioned to coaching and has led Team USA to two gold medals in 2018 and 2020.

Everything Staley has been awarded this week has been well-earned. She has proven to be the best coach in women's college basketball. 

At 17-1, she has South Carolina in a great position to repeat as back-to-back national champions in 2025.