Dawn Staley, $12 million worth remarks on South Carolina’s future after tough defeat to Geno Auriemma’s UConn: “We need a game”

Feb 16, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the UConn Huskies in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Dawn Staley, considered one of the wealthiest coaches in college basketball with an estimated net worth of $12 million, is facing some critical reflections following her South Carolina Gamecocks’ unexpected 87-58 loss to Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies this past Sunday. The blowout defeat, on home court, has led the coach to reevaluate her team’s current status and future goals.

The Gamecocks, ranked No. 6, struggled significantly in this matchup, shooting only 38% from the field, including a poor 18% from beyond the arc. In comparison, the Huskies shot 44% from the field and an impressive 46% from three-point range. UConn also dominated the rebounding battle 45-29, making the loss a rough performance for a squad otherwise considered elite.

During her media availability on Tuesday, Staley reflected on the tough loss, emphasizing that both she and her team need to learn from the game, return to their winning ways, and rediscover their identity.

“We need a game. Get back to just playing our style of play and focusing on playing Gamecock women’s basketball style of play. It really is simple; we just got to apply it,” Staley said, adding, “You take a loss, you have a tendency to think that, everything’s broken. Everything’s not broken…This is a part of our journey. The journey last year didn’t have a blemish as far as a loss, but there were blemishes. They were just not in the form of a loss. We got to embrace the good, whatever our journey is we’re still in everything that we want to accomplish.”

What’s in store for Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks?

Despite the setback, Staley’s Gamecocks remain one of the most formidable teams in the nation, with a 23-3 overall record. After 12 SEC matchups, the team has an impressive 11-1 conference record. Averaging 80.2 points per game on 46.4% shooting from the field, they continue to dominate opponents by an average margin of 22.9 points per game.

Key players such as Joyce Edwards, who leads with 13 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals, and MiLaysia Fulwiley, contributing 11.8 points, are critical to the team’s success. Te-Hina Paopao adds 10.4 points per game, while Chloe Kitts brings in 9.3 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Looking ahead, Staley and the No. 6 Gamecocks are set to face off against the Arkansas Razorbacks at the Colonial Life Arena on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. ET, as they aim to bounce back and return to their winning form.