Dawn Staley is showing no signs of slowing down. The legendary South Carolina coach was spotted scouting elite high school talent at the Power 24 event held at Spooky Nook Sports in Manheim, Pennsylvania on Friday.
Select Events Basketball shared a video on X capturing Staley, along with several other top college coaches, watching courtside as future stars showcased their skills.
Staley’s trip to Pennsylvania came just hours after the shocking news that MiLaysia Fulwiley had officially committed to the LSU Tigers. Fulwiley surprised many South Carolina fans when she entered the transfer portal shortly after the Gamecocks’ heartbreaking loss to the UConn Huskies in the national championship game.
Fulwiley, who spent two seasons under Staley, was instrumental in helping South Carolina capture the NCAA title during the 2023-24 campaign. Last season, she averaged 11.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 steals across 39 appearances.
Now on the recruiting trail, Staley is seeking the next generation of Gamecock stars who can replicate Fulwiley’s impact. Among the players who caught her eye was Saniyah Hall from Montverde Academy, a standout in the class of 2026. Hall impressed by leading Legends U to victories over United NJ and YKS.
Dawn Staley Reloads as Gamecocks Navigate Major Changes
Since their national championship defeat, the Gamecocks roster has undergone significant changes. Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, and Sania Feagin have all moved on to pursue careers in the WNBA.
Adding to the shake-up, MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina’s second-leading scorer last season, made headlines by transferring to LSU, where she will join forces with Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams to form a formidable new “Big 3.”
In response, Dawn Staley has been aggressively reinforcing her lineup through the transfer portal. Among her biggest acquisitions is Ta’Niya Latson from Florida State, an explosive scorer who led the NCAA with 25.2 points per game during the 2024-25 season. Latson showcased her prowess by posting eight 30-point games, including a standout 30-point performance against LSU in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Staley also added size and defensive strength by signing Madina Okot from Mississippi State. The Kenyan center averaged 11.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks last season, offering a much-needed interior presence for the retooled Gamecock.
