ESPN REPORT: Dawn Staley Nominated for Best Basketball Coach of the 21st Century
Dawn Staley, one of the most influential figures in the history of basketball, has been nominated for the prestigious title of Best Basketball Coach of the 21st Century. This nomination is not only a testament to her remarkable success on the court but also a recognition of her extraordinary leadership, vision, and dedication to growing the game—especially for women and underrepresented communities.
Staley’s impact on basketball spans decades. As a player, she was a fierce competitor and one of the most decorated athletes in the sport. A three-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time Naismith College Player of the Year, and a WNBA All-Star, Staley’s playing career alone would be enough to cement her legacy. However, her coaching career has arguably surpassed her playing accomplishments, further elevating her status as a transformative figure in the game.
Since taking over as head coach at the University of South Carolina in 2008, Staley has completely transformed the Gamecocks’ women’s basketball program. Under her leadership, the team has become a national powerhouse, capturing NCAA Championships in 2017 and 2022. Her squads have consistently ranked among the top in the country, dominating the SEC and regularly advancing deep into the NCAA tournament. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and empowerment—values that have not only delivered championships but also developed players into strong leaders and professionals, both on and off the court.
Staley’s coaching accolades are numerous. She has been named National Coach of the Year multiple times, and in 2025, she added another Naismith Coach of the Year award to her already impressive resume. Her ability to consistently build and sustain success in one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball speaks to her elite basketball mind and unmatched work ethic.
But Staley’s influence reaches far beyond wins and losses. As one of the few Black women leading a major NCAA program, she has broken barriers and served as an inspiration for future generations of coaches and athletes. She is a vocal advocate for equity in sports, using her platform to address social justice issues and push for greater opportunities for women and minorities in athletics.
Her coaching career extends to the international stage as well. As head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team, Staley compiled an undefeated record and led the team to gold medals at the 2018 FIBA World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her ability to seamlessly manage elite talent and deliver results on the global stage further validates her as one of the best basketball minds in the world.
Staley’s nomination for Best Basketball Coach of the 21st Century is not just about her trophies or accolades. It’s a celebration of her influence, resilience, and the trail she’s blazed for others to follow. She has changed the landscape of women’s basketball and continues to do so with humility and power.
As her legacy grows, one thing is certain: Dawn Staley isn’t just a coach—she’s a game-changer. And her nomination for this honor is a well-earned recognition of a career that has defined an era.
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