The South Carolina Gamecocks have become a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, and that rise to national dominance is thanks in large part to head coach Dawn Staley, who took the reins back in the 2008–09 season. Since then, she has built not just a winning team—but a full-blown basketball dynasty.
Over her tenure at South Carolina, Staley has compiled a remarkable 475-110 record, boasting an 81.2% win rate. But it’s not just about wins — it’s about championships. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have secured three national titles, a feat that firmly places Staley among the elite coaches in women’s basketball history.
The 2024–25 season was another strong campaign for the Gamecocks, culminating in a trip to the national championship game. However, they fell just short, losing to Paige Bueckers, legendary coach Geno Auriemma, and the UConn Huskies in a thrilling finale.
Even with that heartbreak, South Carolina continued to make waves at the professional level. In the 2025 WNBA Draft, three standout players — Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, and Sania Feagin — heard their names called, joining the long list of Gamecocks-turned-pros.
Following the draft, the program proudly showcased Dawn Staley’s legacy of player development, posting stats that prove her impact:
- 15 WNBA Draft selections since 2015
- 10 draftees since 2021
- Four first-round picks since 2021
- Two top-five picks in the last five drafts
- Two No. 1 overall picks since 2015
Before her reign at South Carolina, Staley was also highly successful at Temple University, where she coached from 2000 to 2008. She led the Owls to a 172-80 record and secured six NCAA Tournament appearances during that span.
Whether it’s winning titles or sending players to the WNBA, Dawn Staley has proven time and time again that she’s one of the most influential and successful figures in the game. Her coaching legacy continues to grow — and the next wave of Gamecocks stars is likely already in motion.
