South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley has been named a semifinalist for the prestigious Naismith Coach of the Year award, a recognition of her leadership and the Gamecocks’ dominance throughout the 2024-25 season. This marks yet another accolade for Staley, who has firmly established herself as one of the most successful coaches in women’s college basketball.
Under Staley’s guidance, South Carolina secured its fifth consecutive No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, finishing the regular season with an outstanding record. The Gamecocks also captured the SEC regular-season and tournament titles, reinforcing their reputation as a powerhouse program. Despite losing key players to the WNBA last season, Staley seamlessly integrated new talent, demonstrating her ability to develop young stars while maintaining a championship-level team.
“This honor is a reflection of the incredible work our players and staff put in every single day,” Staley said. “We’ve faced challenges, but our team’s resilience and dedication have made this season special.”
Staley has previously won the Naismith Coach of the Year award twice, in 2020 and 2022, and remains one of the sport’s most influential figures. Beyond her coaching success, she continues to advocate for women’s basketball, pushing for equity and growth in the sport.
As the Gamecocks prepare for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament, Staley’s leadership will be crucial in their pursuit of another national championship.