Dawn Staley Reflects on Hall of Fame Induction and Praises WNBA Star Caitlin Clark
Dawn Staley is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected figures in women’s basketball—first as a legendary player, then as a coaching icon. From dominating the court to mentoring championship-caliber athletes, her impact on the sport is undeniable.
Staley’s decorated playing career earned her a coveted spot in both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013. The South Carolina head coach, who reportedly has a net worth of $12 million (according to Celebrity Net Worth), recently opened up about what her Naismith induction truly meant to her.
Appearing on the “Not Gonna Lie” podcast with Kylie Kelce on Thursday, Staley candidly shared that the Hall of Fame was one personal milestone she deeply desired.
“It’s the Naismith Hall of Fame. Like, the Basketball Hall of Fame… That was probably the only selfish award that I wanted,” Staley admitted. “I didn’t really care about anything else. But the Naismith was near and dear to me because so many greats are in it.”
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She further emphasized her respect for the integrity of the Hall, contrasting it with other honors that may be more popularity-driven.
“And I don’t think it’s political. Like some of them are political where, you know, you let this person in… It’s a down year, let this person in because they’re popular, right? They’re going to bring people in,” she said.
“And you know, for me, I don’t think this Naismith Hall of Fame is one that is done in a way that’s going to bring somebody in that’s just really popular.”
Staley’s resume supports her elite status. As a player, she was a two-time Naismith Player of the Year (1991, 1992), two-time ACC Player of the Year, and was named NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 1991. Internationally, she won three Olympic gold medals, two FIBA World Cup gold medals, and a bronze medal representing Team USA.
Dawn Staley on Caitlin Clark: “She’s Quite Incredible”
During the same interview, Staley also addressed the rise of Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever rookie and former Iowa Hawkeyes sensation who has captured national attention.
Having coached against Clark during her college days, Staley acknowledged the gravity of the attention Clark has brought to the women’s game.
“I think she’s quite incredible, quite an anomaly when it comes to how many eyeballs that she’s bringing on the game, and new eyeballs,” said Staley.
“And the newness of those eyeballs only want her to do well. Only want you to speak very highly of her. Only want you to agree with what they agree with.”
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Staley also spoke to the natural scrutiny that comes with sports, emphasizing that while Clark is celebrated, it’s normal for all athletes to face critique.
“And that’s kind of hard when we are critics to everyone that plays the game. We’re critics to it. It’s a part of our… the fabric of sports.”
Clark’s breakout in the WNBA has been nothing short of historic. She became the first rookie to make the All-WNBA First Team since Candace Parker in 2008, and just the fifth in league history to earn that distinction.
