Dawn Staley’s “Uncommon Favor” Lands on New York Times Best Sellers List as Her Legacy Grows Beyond the Court
Dawn Staley has built one of the most dominant dynasties in women’s college basketball with the South Carolina Gamecocks, turning the program into a perennial national title contender. But while the Hall of Fame coach is no stranger to success on the hardwood, her most recent triumph came not from the sidelines—but from the shelves.
On Wednesday, Staley announced that her new book, Uncommon Favor, has officially landed on the prestigious New York Times Best Sellers list, coming in at No. 10.
“Evening my good peeps. My Uncommon Favor peeps! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Staley wrote in a celebratory post on social media. “We did it again! Unbelievably grateful for your uncommon support and uncommon love in making this happen again! UNCOMMON FAVOR has made the @nytbestsellers_ list this week!”
Released on May 20, Uncommon Favor is a deeply personal memoir that chronicles Staley’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming a three-time Olympic gold medalist, six-time WNBA All-Star, and one of the most respected coaches in the sport. According to the New York Times’ listing, the book dives into the “obstacles she encountered on and off the court,” offering readers a raw and powerful look at the journey behind her success.
This literary achievement adds another milestone to an already remarkable year for Staley, who guided her South Carolina team to the 2024 NCAA championship game. Despite falling short to UConn in the final, Staley’s Gamecocks capped the season with a 35-4 record, an SEC tournament title, and the unwavering support of a national fanbase.
Since taking the reins in Columbia in 2008, Staley has amassed:
- Three NCAA titles
- Seven Final Four appearances
- Nine SEC regular season championships
- Nine SEC tournament titles
- A stellar 475-110 career record at South Carolina.
With Uncommon Favor gaining national recognition, Staley’s influence now stretches well beyond the basketball court. Her impact as a coach, author, and role model continues to inspire generations—proving that her story is far from finished.
