Dawn Staley Shares Powerful Advice for Young Hoopers Representing Team USA on Global Stage
South Carolina women’s basketball coach and legendary Team USA alum Dawn Staley is using her international experience to inspire the next generation of talent competing in the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup. In a recent Instagram video shared by Next Gen Hoops, Staley emphasized the profound impact of representing one’s country on the international level—both on and off the court.
“I would say any time that you get a chance to represent your country in any international tournament, it’s going to help you in your career,” Staley said. “Is it competitive? Absolutely. You have entered team competition, and then you have the competition from different countries. It’s only going to help you just grow as a young talent.”
Beyond basketball development, Staley highlighted the cultural benefits of international play:
“It’s going to broaden your horizons because culturally you see different things that you’re not going to see within your country.”
A Trailblazer in Every Role
Staley’s insight doesn’t come lightly. She is a FIBA Hall of Famer who first appeared on the U19 world stage in 1989. Since then, she’s etched her name into USA Basketball history books as both a player and coach. Her accolades include:
- 3 Olympic gold medals (1996, 2000, 2004)
- 2 World Cup gold medals (1998, 2002)
- An undefeated record as head coach at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
- Historic distinction as the first Black woman to lead the U.S. Women’s Olympic Basketball Team
Staley also steered Team USA to gold medals at the U18 and U19 levels, the 2007 Pan American Games, and back-to-back FIBA AmeriCup titles in 2019 and 2021.
Supporting the Future: Agot Makeer
During her trip to the U19 World Cup in Brno, Czech Republic, Staley took time to connect with incoming Gamecock Agot Makeer, who is suiting up for Team Canada. Makeer, a 6-foot-1 wing out of Ontario by way of Montverde Academy in Florida, was one of the most coveted international recruits before choosing South Carolina.
Staley celebrated the moment with a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Send your @GamecockWBB love to @makeer_agot and family here in Czech Republic!! Got the dub today!”
Makeer’s presence at the tournament—and Staley’s support in person—signals the high expectations for the future of Gamecock women’s basketball.
As Team USA eyes another gold medal—having won nine of the last ten U19 Women’s World Cups, including the last three—Staley’s words and presence remind every young athlete of the honor and growth that comes with wearing their country’s colors on the world stage.
