How Sania Feagin Became the Leader Dawn Staley Needed After Three Up-and-Down Seasons at South Carolina

In a stunning turn of events, Sania Feagin, who had never taken a 3-point shot before, has become a key player for South Carolina in the championship game. Just a year ago, Feagin stepped up to make a crucial 3-pointer with 2.9 seconds left in the third quarter against Texas. After the shot, a quick head nod and chest puff signified her confidence.

Even with an elevated role this season, Feagin’s unwavering trust in her teammates has remained steadfast. In the semifinals against Oklahoma, freshman Joyce Edwards was struggling to find her rhythm. Despite Edwards’ visible frustration, Feagin reassured her, reminding her that the shots would eventually fall and to keep pushing forward.

“She is such a gentle soul,” head coach Sherri Feagin said. “She’s so loving and caring. She really cares for her teammates, every last one of them. She would love for her teammates to excel, putting them before herself. She does things that make people better, things that don’t show up on the stat sheet—like lifting them up when they’re down. She’s a nourisher.”

When Maddy McDaniel, another freshman in the class, visited as a recruit, Feagin took her under her wing before McDaniel had even committed. Upon arriving for her move-in day, Feagin was the first player to greet her.

“She’s been there for me since the jump,” McDaniel shared.

Feagin’s mother says that’s always been her way. “We used to call her the baby whisperer,” she said. “Babies love her. We’d turn around and she’d be holding a baby—anyone’s baby.”

As Feagin approaches the final stretch of her college basketball career, with just a month remaining, her focus is on maintaining the strong form she’s exhibited during the latter half of the season. After battling through moments of doubt and emotional overthinking, Feagin has embraced a mindset that’s allowed her to thrive.

“I went on a little run where my mind was just taking over me,” Feagin explained. “I realized that when you have a clear mind, nobody can stop you. I just emphasize keeping my mind straight.”

By Sunday, those reflections transformed into joyous tears. Averaging 8.1 points this season, Feagin has scored in double digits 12 times. While Dawn Staley‘s team has never needed 30-point games from Feagin, what the coach has always required is exactly what Feagin is delivering: leadership, consistency, and defense.

“It feels good to know I wanted my turn, I trusted the process,” Feagin said. “No matter what, I go out there and play the game I love. Be dominant, be a voice for my teammates.”

This is Lulu Kesin, reporting live for The Greenville News and USA TODAY Network, covering South Carolina athletics.