Two trailblazing legends of women’s basketball recently reunited for an unforgettable conversation — filled with style, sisterhood, and powerful reflections. South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley sat down with her longtime friend and former Olympic teammate Lisa Leslie on “Between the Lines with Lisa Leslie” to talk about their journeys, lasting bond, and the evolution of the women’s game both on and off the court.
Having shared the floor for three Olympic gold medals as teammates with Team USA, their discussion went well beyond basketball memories. The Hall of Famers opened up about leadership, the culture of coaching, and the surprising influence of fashion as a form of expression in the sport.
While chatting about sideline style, Leslie gave Staley her flowers for setting a new standard.
“Kim Mulkey does fashion that speaks to her… very ostentatious, if you will,” Leslie said. “But I feel like you’ve changed the game in a way that makes a coach want to get out there and look cool.”
Known for seamlessly blending luxury fashion and streetwear, Staley’s courtside looks — from Louis Vuitton jumpsuits to Chanel pieces — have become iconic. But for Leslie, it’s more than the name brands.
“Some people do stilettos and pencil skirts,” she said. “But you’ve been able to blend luxury in a way that’s comfortable, cool… it speaks to you. We’re all fangirling like, ‘What Dawn got on today?’ You do it for the culture.”
Leslie acknowledged that while other coaches like LSU’s Kim Mulkey lean into flashy, bold outfits, Staley has crafted a lane that resonates more deeply with both players and fans — giving her style both cultural and generational reach.
But the heart of the interview wasn’t just fashion — it was about friendship and legacy. Leslie and Staley, once roommates during their USA Basketball days, have maintained a decades-long friendship. Now both in their 50s, they continue to represent a golden era of women’s basketball.
Leslie, who was the first WNBA player to dunk in a game and starred with the Los Angeles Sparks, and Staley, the former WNBA floor general turned elite coach in Columbia, reminded fans that greatness is not only built on championships, but on growth, leadership, and culture-changing influence.
Their conversation was a heartfelt celebration of sisterhood, the evolution of the sport, and the lasting impact of two women who have changed the game — and still lead it with unmatched style.
