South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has accomplished an impressive list of feats in her career. 

During her college playing days, she earned the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player award in 1991 and was named the Naismith College Player of the Year twice.

She was a first-round pick by the Charlotte Sting and went on to become a six-time WNBA All-Star. Staley was also named to both the WNBA 10th and 15th Anniversary teams.

As a coach, she has led her team to three NCAA Tournament titles, with the most recent coming in 2024. Staley is a member of both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

Despite all those accolades, the most recent news for Coach Staley may be the most impressive. Staley posted on her personal social media page that she has officially released her own book, “Uncommon Favor.”

“t’s book season,” Staley posted. “My book UNCOMMON FAVOR is ready for your learning reading, leisure reading, book club reading, audio listening and all the convenience of just hanging out with you and my book. Super excited to take you on this journey! Link in the bio!”

Staley has been the head coach of the Gamecocks since the 2008–09 season. After a slow start — compiling a 42-48 record over her first three seasons — she has led South Carolina to the NCAA Tournament every season since 2011-12.

In 2024-25, South Carolina finished 35-4 and fell in the national championship game to the UConn Huskies.

The 2023–24 Gamecocks went 38-0 and captured the NCAA Tournament title. South Carolina has reached the Final Four in five consecutive seasons, appearing in the title game in three of them.

Dawn Staley’s Emotional Response to Star Players’ News After Transfer Portal Shakeup

South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley received exciting news on April 14 about three of her star departing players. All three have been drafted by WNBA teams. The news comes shortly after the Gamecocks team received big transfer portal shakeups, with MiLaysia Fulwiley leaving and Ta’Niya Latson committing.

Staley posted an emotional response to the good news on X.

She wrote: “Thank you Lord! Proud of @GamecockWBB @tehinapaopa0 @breezyhalll @supremenia for being selected in the @WNBA draft. @AtlantaDream @IndianaFever @LASparks yall have some class act human beings and highly tested talented individuals! Let’s gooooo!!!”

© Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Te-Hina Paopao was the No. 18 pick, selected by the Atlanta Dream. Bree Hall was the 20th pick in the WNBA draft, selected by the Indiana Fever. Sania Feagin was then the No. 21 pick, selected by the Los Angeles Sparks.

All three players were picked quickly in the second round of the 2025 WNBA Draft.

They celebrated their good news on X.

Paopao was flooded with congratulations on X. She even had to post, “i’m sorry if you are hitting me up, my phone been broke i will get back to you when i can 😅 😭.”

Feagin simply posted, “WHATS UP LA ??!!!”

Hall reposted a video from reporter Holly Rowe showing her celebration at home when she got the news.

Another Gamecocks player is already with the Indiana Fever. Aliyah Boston was selected first overall in the 2023 WNBA Draft. Boston and Hall played together and won the 2022 national championship with the Gamecocks.

Training camp begins April 27. The season starts on May 14. Each player still has to earn a roster spot with their team, Greenville News reported.