Why Dawn Staley is a Force in Women’s College Basketball and South Carolina has Become a New Hub for the Sport

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina women’s basketball has transformed into one of the most dominant programs in the sport, thanks to Dawn Staley, whose leadership has propelled the Gamecocks to three NCAA championships. Her influence has not only redefined the program but also left an indelible mark on women’s college basketball. We spoke to several players and coaches to better understand how Staley’s impact has reshaped the game.

Under Staley’s guidance, South Carolina has become synonymous with excellence, and the Gamecocks are now aiming for a fourth NCAA title. If they win this year, they will become the first back-to-back women’s NCAA champions since UConn in 2016. This continued success places South Carolina in the same conversation as powerhouse programs like UConn, Tennessee—under the legendary Pat Summitt—and Stanford.

“What Dawn has done over the last six to 10 years is absolutely incredible,” said Kim Rosamond, head coach of No. 16 Tennessee Tech, who witnessed the Gamecocks’ dominance firsthand in the first round. “Dawn has now become the torchbearer, so to speak, for the college game. She’s doing it as well as anyone in the game today.”

As other iconic coaches like Tara VanDerveer retire, Staley, along with Geno Auriemma of UConn and Kim Mulkey of LSU, represents the gold standard in women’s college basketball.

Staley’s success at South Carolina is nothing short of remarkable: three national championships, six Final Fours, and more than 450 wins since taking over in 2008. Her impact was further solidified when the university extended her contract in January through 2029-30, making her the highest-paid coach in women’s basketball with a $4 million annual base salary.

“South Carolina has been able to see it was worth it to invest in Dawn Staley – and how she changed this program and the impact she’s had on these young women,” said Lisa Leslie, a three-time WNBA MVP and four-time Olympic teammate of Staley’s, who was in Columbia to support her close friend during the Gamecocks’ first-round game against Tennessee Tech.

While Staley doesn’t focus on titles or comparisons to other programs, she’s confident in her team’s legacy. “I think we created a legacy already, whether we win this one or not,” Staley said. “What we’ve done over the past eight years won’t be done again. If we win another one, it just adds to our legacy in the game.”

Chloe Kitts, a junior forward for the Gamecocks, believes Staley has already secured her place in the conversation of the greatest coaches. “She has accomplished every goal, so why would she not be in that category?” Kitts said, referring to legends like Summitt and VanDerveer.

Indiana head coach Teri Moren also recognizes the influence Staley has had, placing South Carolina among the elite programs. “You can’t talk about those other teams without mentioning South Carolina,” Moren said. “They’ve raised the bar for everybody. It’s no longer UConn, it’s no longer Tennessee. You can now talk about South Carolina.”

The Gamecocks’ home court at Colonial Life Arena is a fortress for South Carolina, where Staley boasts an impressive record of 230-35. Indiana guard Sydney Parrish, in lighthearted fashion, joked about the challenge of playing South Carolina in front of such a passionate crowd, saying, “I think we have a 4% chance of winning.”

It’s clear that the Gamecocks are fueled by the unwavering support of their fans, who continuously show their love through personalized gifts and encouragement. “We have this one little girl who got her hair braided, and each of her beads has our names on them,” said Sakima Walker, a senior center for South Carolina. “The fans really love us.”

Players across the country, including Jenna Johnson of Utah, have also expressed admiration for the electric atmosphere in Columbia, and the Gamecocks’ fanbase continues to set a standard that other programs aspire to create. “We’ve been trying to create it in Utah,” Johnson said, reflecting on the vibrant energy in the arena.

The legacy Dawn Staley has built with South Carolina is undeniable, and as March Madness continues, all eyes will be on how the Gamecocks chase yet another championship under her legendary leadership.