Dawn Staley Stays in the Spotlight: From Coaching to Cornhole and Fashion Icon Status
South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley hasn’t taken much of a break this offseason, even after a tough loss to UConn in April’s national championship game. Instead of slowing down, she’s been keeping busy with a mix of high-profile appearances, inspiring moments, and cultural influence.
Staley recently released her memoir and has been spotted courtside at WNBA games supporting her former Gamecock stars. But her schedule hasn’t stopped there.
Over the weekend, she popped up at the American Cornhole League championships held at the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center in South Carolina. Staley shared a photo on Instagram, hyping up the event with the caption:
“Let’s gooooo!!!”
A day before the Cornhole finals, Staley made a surprise visit to the Carolina Panthers’ training facility, where she connected with players, shot some hoops, and even walked away with a signed jersey from quarterback Bryce Young.
Lisa Leslie Applauds Staley’s Signature Style
Off the court, Staley continues to shine in another arena—fashion. Her game day looks have become the stuff of legend, drawing admiration far beyond the basketball world.
During a recent episode of Between the Lines, WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, a former teammate of Staley’s on Team USA, showered the coach with praise for her fashion-forward presence.
“Let me just say this,” Leslie began. “Kim Mulkey does fashion that speaks to her… very ostentatious, if you will. But I feel like you’ve changed the game in a way that makes a coach want to get out there and look cool.”
Leslie continued,
“Some people do stilettos and pencil skirts, but you’ve been able to blend luxury in a way that’s comfortable, cool… it speaks to you. We’re all fangirling like, ‘What Dawn got on today?’ You do it for the culture, from a fashion standpoint.”
From Courtside to Concerts
Staley’s influence reaches far beyond basketball. She’s become a fixture in pop culture, especially in the hip-hop community. The Gamecocks coach has been seen sharing stages with artists like Travis Scott and Plies, fully embracing her role as more than just a coach—she’s a cultural icon.
In the NIL era, where college athletes are becoming household names, Dawn Staley has carved out a lane of her own, blending style, influence, and success into a brand that resonates nationwide.
