Dawn Staley has come under fire following South Carolina’s crushing National Championship defeat against UConn – but the Hall of Famer is going nowhere following a $25 million extension.
Legendary South Carolina coach Dawn Staley is going nowhere despite facing retirement calls following last weekend’s National Championship demolition at the hands of UConn.
Staley, 54, could only watch from the sidelines as her Gamecocks lost their National title 82-59 to the Huskies in Tampa. Following the game, some social media users called on Staley – who has coached the Gamecocks for 16 seasons – to retire. “I think it’s time for Dawn Staley to hang it up and retire. She’s past her prime. Had a great run with some great accomplishments, but it’s time to ride off into the sunset before she drags our glorious WBB team down with her,” one said.
However, the Gamecocks have already committed to Staley for the foreseeable future, extending the Hall of Famer’s stay in South Carolina through the 2029-30 season. The Gamecocks are certain that Staley is the person to continue leading the basketball program, committing to a $25 million contract.
“Dawn Staley is a once-in-a-generation coach who has made a tremendous impact on the University of South Carolina,” said Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati in January. “She has elevated the sport of women’s basketball on the national level and here on campus and I am excited that she will be representing our University for many years to come.”
The feeling is mutual in Staley’s camp, too. “I’m proud to represent the University of South Carolina and of its investment in women’s basketball,” Staley said. “What we’ve been able to accomplish on the court is a testament to what can happen when you bring together the right people from a team perspective but also have the right commitment from the University, the Athletics Department and the community to providing that team with everything it needs to be successful.
“I appreciate every person who has been part of our journey – player, staff member, University President and leadership, Board of Trustee member, athletics director, athletics department employee, and fan. I look forward to continuing to be an example of how an investment in women’s basketball is one that will pay off for everyone.”
Despite the crushing defeat at the hands of Geno Auriemma’s Huskies, who scooped the program’s 12th national title, Staley is already plotting a Gamecocks comeback next season. Staley gave a brutal response about how she wanted her team to respond this offseason.
“I hope they’re crying,” Staley said of her underclassmen. “I hope they’re boo-hooing because from crying they have emotion about losing, makes you work hard in the offseason. Makes you look at it and really analyze what the separation is from their program and our program and how we close the gap with that.”
She added: “They’re very talented, and I think they got a great experience of playing at this level that I hope they have a desire to get back here and do all the things it takes to play in the national championship game and to deliver the blows that’s needed to win.”
