Let me know if you want a few alternative title options with different tones—emotional, clicky, or more formal.
Netflix has released a compelling new documentary series titled “The Playbook”, and among its featured coaches is none other than Dawn Staley. The series debuted Tuesday morning, with all five episodes available to stream.
Staley is highlighted in the fifth episode, which delves into her remarkable journey from a gritty childhood in Philadelphia to becoming a powerhouse coach at South Carolina. Other coaches featured in the series include Doc Rivers, Jill Ellis (former U.S. Women’s Soccer Team coach), José Mourinho, and Patrick Mouratoglou, the longtime coach of Serena Williams.
The series is executive produced by LeBron James through The SpringHill Company, the production house he co-founded with long-time partner Maverick Carter. This is the same company behind several notable projects, including the highly anticipated Space Jam sequel.
Staley’s episode runs for 31 minutes and offers a mix of familiar and fresh content for Gamecock fans. It centers on how the pain of losing in the Final Four as a player fueled her relentless drive to succeed as a coach. She’s the sole interviewee, reflecting on key milestones—from her college days at Virginia, to her early coaching years, and ultimately, to winning the national championship.
There are a few special moments sprinkled throughout, including a candid exchange with Olivia Thompson during practice, and rare footage from A’ja Wilson’s official campus visit in 2014. Viewers are also treated to vintage clips from Staley’s early years at South Carolina, with sparsely attended games in the Colonial Life Arena that many fans may not have seen before.
The episode does take creative liberties with the timeline. It mixes in practice footage without clear context—sometimes frustratingly so. For example, there’s a scene where Staley addresses her 2016 team, immediately followed by gameplay from the 2017 squad, implying it was a pregame speech for that game. Though these choices might irk detail-focused fans, they don’t detract much from the emotional resonance of the episode.
For most viewers, the nostalgia and behind-the-scenes glimpses will be more than enough. Staley also shares more than she previously has about her iconic net exchange with Carolyn Peck, and fans will enjoy clips from her playing career and adorable shots of Champ.
Ultimately, this feels like a well-crafted, 30-minute recruiting tool—and Staley stands alone as the only women’s college basketball coach with a personal spotlight on Netflix.
Following the release, Staley tweeted:
“Just checked out #ThePlaybook on @Netflix my episode… it was the first time I didn’t cringe or look away at seeing or hearing myself. Watched as if I was someone else and damn I enjoyed. Go check out and have yourself a joyous moment. @GamecockWBB FAMs you might see yourself!”
