Dawn Staley Shifts Focus from Hardwood to Hometown as She Promotes Her New Book “Uncommon Favor”
The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball program has flourished under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, who has transformed the team into a powerhouse since taking the reins in 2008. With three national championships, seven Final Four appearances—including five in a row—and a total of nine SEC Tournament and nine regular-season conference titles, Staley’s impact on the sport is undeniable.
Following the Gamecocks’ tough loss to UConn in the 2024 NCAA championship game, Staley is now shifting gears to focus on a personal venture: her book tour for “Uncommon Favor.”
In a social media update, Staley shared that she’ll be hosting meet and greet events as part of her tour, starting with New York on May 22 and Philadelphia on May 23. Hinting at possible upcoming stops in South Carolina, she energized her fanbase with a nostalgic nod to her roots.
“What’s good my hood?!! Philly Philly!” she posted alongside a photo from the Philadelphia area, proudly embracing her hometown.
A Philadelphia native, Staley’s journey through basketball has taken her from the courts of Temple University—where she coached from 2000 to 2008—to her current reign in Columbia, SC. A standout at the University of Virginia and a six-time WNBA All-Star, her coaching legacy in the SEC continues to grow with each season.
Now, through “Uncommon Favor,” Staley looks to connect with fans beyond the sidelines, offering a glimpse into the life and lessons of one of college basketball’s most accomplished figures.
