GOOD NEWS: Dawn Staley Nominated for Basketball Hall of Fame Award as Best Basketball Coach of the 21st Century
In a momentous recognition that underscores her unparalleled impact on the game, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley has been nominated for the Basketball Hall of Fame’s “Best Basketball Coach of the 21st Century” award. This honor places Staley in the pantheon of basketball greats, affirming what players, peers, and fans have long known—her influence on the hardwood transcends wins and championships.
This historic nomination reflects Staley’s remarkable success, both on the court and as a transformative leader off of it. Since taking the reins at the University of South Carolina in 2008, Staley has become a driving force behind one of the most dominant programs in collegiate basketball history, all while serving as a mentor, trailblazer, and role model for generations to come.
A Legacy Built on Excellence
Dawn Staley’s coaching resume is among the most decorated in the sport. Under her leadership, the South Carolina Gamecocks have become a national powerhouse, winning three NCAA national championships (2017, 2022, 2024) and securing numerous SEC regular-season and tournament titles. Her squads are routinely ranked in the top five nationally, often finishing seasons undefeated or with single-digit losses.
What sets Staley apart isn’t just her ability to build a winning program—it’s how she’s built it. Through relentless recruiting, meticulous player development, and a culture centered on accountability, compassion, and excellence, she has turned South Carolina into a destination for elite athletes who want to win and grow.
Her impact isn’t limited to the college game. Staley also led Team USA’s women’s basketball team to Olympic gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games (held in 2021 due to the pandemic), reaffirming her strategic brilliance on the international stage.
More Than a Coach
While her on-court success is historic, Staley’s greatest legacy may lie in her role as a pioneer and voice for equity, inclusion, and justice. A proud Black woman from North Philadelphia, she has never shied away from addressing systemic issues that affect her players and the broader community. She has used her platform to speak out against racial injustice, gender inequality, and disparities in women’s sports—earning admiration far beyond basketball circles.
Staley’s leadership during the NCAA’s 2021 tournament, when she called out the unequal treatment of the women’s tournament compared to the men’s, helped spark a nationwide conversation that led to reform. Her words carry weight not only because of who she is, but because of what she’s accomplished.
“Dawn Staley isn’t just one of the best coaches of the 21st century—she’s one of the most important voices in sports today,” said WNBA legend and former teammate Tamika Catchings. “Her impact goes way beyond the scoreboard.”
Hall of Fame Pedigree
Staley is already enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player, having had an extraordinary playing career that included three Olympic gold medals and a stellar run at the University of Virginia. But this latest nomination as Best Basketball Coach of the 21st Century cements her as a rare dual-threat—a legend as both a player and a coach.
Other names nominated alongside Staley reportedly include legends like Geno Auriemma, Mike Krzyzewski, Pat Summitt, and Gregg Popovich, but many experts believe that Staley’s unique resume makes her a frontrunner for the honor.
“She has succeeded at every level imaginable—in college, in the Olympics, as a player, and as a coach,” said basketball analyst LaChina Robinson. “And she’s done it with integrity, passion, and a deep sense of purpose.”
Changing the Game—Literally
Staley’s coaching tree continues to grow, with several of her former players and assistants stepping into coaching and leadership roles across basketball. Her influence can be seen in how women’s basketball is played, promoted, and respected. Her teams are known for their defensive tenacity, discipline, and team-first mentality—hallmarks of Staley’s own playing days.
But perhaps her most profound impact is in the way she has elevated South Carolina from a mid-tier program into a national dynasty, all while helping to elevate the visibility of women’s college basketball. TV ratings for South Carolina games have soared, attendance has broken records, and young girls across the country proudly wear Gamecock jerseys with stars like A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston serving as role models.
“Coach Staley showed us what greatness looks like—day in and day out,” said Boston, now a WNBA All-Star. “She held us to a standard and believed in us even when we didn’t believe in ourselves.”
Looking Ahead
As of May 2025, Staley shows no signs of slowing down. South Carolina remains a favorite to win the 2025-26 national title, and recruiting rankings place the Gamecocks at the top of the class once again. Her influence in shaping the next generation of athletes, leaders, and change-makers continues to grow.
Her nomination for this Hall of Fame coaching award is more than a personal accolade—it’s a celebration of everything she has given to the sport and the people in it. It’s a recognition of a woman who dared to lead differently and changed the game in the process.
Whether or not she takes home the title of “Best Basketball Coach of the 21st Century,” one thing is certain: Dawn Staley has already earned a place in the hearts and history books of basketball fans around the world.
A Moment of Gratitude
Upon receiving word of the nomination, Staley took to social media with her trademark humility and gratitude.
“I’m honored and humbled by this nomination,” she wrote. “I stand on the shoulders of giants and alongside so many amazing coaches who’ve shaped this game. This is for my players—past, present, and future—and for every little girl who dreams big.”
Her words encapsulate the very essence of who she is—not just a coach, but a visionary, a builder, and a beacon of hope.
As the basketball world watches and waits for the final announcement, one thing is clear: Dawn Staley has already won in wa
ys that numbers and trophies can never fully capture.