To say Dawn Staley’s afterglow following a national championship has been sparkling would be an understatement. Don’t expect the shine to dull anytime soon.
On Friday, the University of South Carolina announced that Staley was given a four-year contract extension through the Board of Trustees. The new deal will keep Staley, 46, on board through the 2024-25 season.
“When I first came to Columbia, it was with one goal in mind – to build a program that everyone involved could be proud of, both on and off the court,” Staley said in a statement published by the university. “I’m proud of what we’ve built, proud of the women I’ve coached, proud to be part of the University of South Carolina – and proud that I will be for many years to come.”
Staley’s rise to college basketball supremacy has been gradual, but gratifying. Her first two seasons at South Carolina were rough, finishing under .500, but fans would never know it these days. Two seasons ago, the Gamecocks were ranked No. 1 by the Associated Press for the first time in school history. They would hold the top spot for 12 consecutive weeks. Later that year, South Carolina started its streak of SEC tournament titles, which currently stands at three.
Naturally, the Gamecocks are a regular presence in post-season play. They have qualified for six straight NCAA tournaments, reaching the Final Four twice in that span. South Carolina’s victory over Mississippi State in this year’s championship cemented their first ever title in women’s basketball. Three players from that team were selected in the first round of the WNBA Draft: Alaina Coates, Allisha Gray and Kaela Davis. They joined Tiffany Mitchell as South Carolina products to be drafted in the first round. Another prodigy will likely follow them next year as A’ja Wilson enters her senior season.
Gauging South Carolina’s prospects of defending their title is too uncertain for now, but odds favor Staley continuing to build up her career coaching record of 393-160 (.711).