South Carolina’s Dawn Staley Secures Historic Contract Extension
In a landmark move, the University of South Carolina has announced a contract extension for head women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, solidifying her position at the helm through the 2029-2030 season. This extension, reportedly valued at approximately $25 million, makes Staley the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball history. (athlonsports.com)
Staley’s tenure at South Carolina has been marked by unparalleled success. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have clinched three NCAA national championships, with the most recent victory in 2024. Her coaching accolades include five National Coach of the Year awards and seven SEC Coach of the Year honors. (athlonsports.com)
Beyond her coaching achievements, Staley’s influence extends to her playing career. A graduate of the University of Virginia, she is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and a five-time WNBA All-Star. Notably, she became the first individual to win the Naismith Award as both a player and a coach, underscoring her profound impact on the sport. (athlonsports.com)
The announcement of Staley’s contract extension has garnered widespread praise. NBA icon LeBron James took to social media to commend her contributions to basketball, stating, "Protect Dawn Staley AT ALL COST!! No if, ands or buts!" (athlonsports.com)
This historic extension not only reflects Staley’s exceptional coaching prowess but also signifies the University of South Carolina’s commitment to maintaining excellence in women’s basketball.
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