Dawn Staley

Dawn Staley Celebrates South Carolina’s Championship Win at Disney World

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Dawn Staley Celebrates Historic Women’s College Basketball Nat

After leading the South Carolina women’s basketball team to victory in the national championship earlier this month, head coach Dawn Staley fulfilled her promise to visit “The Most Magical Place on Earth” by arriving at Disney World on Saturday. The celebration kicked off with a day filled with signature Disney attractions and a festive parade at Magic Kingdom.

Dawn Staley Celebrates Historic Women’s College Basketball Nat

Staley’s Disney adventure began with a thrilling ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. By midday, she found herself at Magic Kingdom, where she rode atop a parade float alongside her fellow South Carolina basketball assistant coaches. As the center of attention during a celebratory cavalcade down Main Street, U.S.A., Staley was surrounded by streamers, fireworks, Disney characters, and cheering guests. She even had the chance to chill with Minnie Mouse, who joined in the festivities dressed in her own basketball uniform.

Dawn Staley Celebrates Historic Women’s College Basketball Nat

A six-time WNBA All-Star as a player, Staley’s coaching expertise led the South Carolina team to its third women’s basketball national title on April 6th, marking the end of an undefeated season. With this win, Staley’s coaching record reached an impressive 109-3 over the last three years, solidifying her status as one of the most accomplished coaches in women’s college basketball history with three national crowns to her name.

Dawn Staley Celebrates Historic Women’s College Basketball Nat

Staley’s announcement of her Disney visit during a live post-game interview on national TV added her to the prestigious list of sports champions who have celebrated their victories at a Disney park. This tradition, which began with the New York Giants following their Super Bowl win in 1987, has since welcomed the biggest names in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and the Olympics.

As Dawn Staley continues to inspire both on and off the court, her visit to Disney World serves as a magical celebration of her team’s remarkable achievement and her remarkable coaching career.

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Beyoncé Sent Dawn Staley Flowers For Winning The Women’s NCAA Championship After Watching The Gamecocks The Entire Tournament

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Dawn Staley NCAA Champion
Getty Image

Did you know that Beyoncé is a hardcore South Carolina Gamecocks fan? Apparently, she watched and supported the Dawn Staley-coached team all the way through the NCAA Women’s basketball tournament with her family and enjoyed them so much, she sent Staley a bouquet of flowers to commemmorate the team’s historic, undefeated season and championship win. Staley shared “a video thank you” to Beyoncé as she showed off the gift — which included Cowboy Carter merchandise, naturally — and read the card.”If you know, you know,” she said.

To Coach Staley and the entire South Carolina Gamecocks,

Me and my family watched your games and cheered you on through the entire season. I am so proud of you.

All my love,

Beyoncé

Staley also shouted out all the family members, and noted, “I’ve been in the South for 16 years. I’m a little country too.”

The delightful moment is just one in an endless procession of moments that prove that women’s basketball has arrived this year — and one of the few in which a high-profile voice actually congratulated the winners of the tournament, rather than a certain player on the runners-up.

Beyoncé’s bouquets are well known in the music industry; she has sent them to Cowboy Carter collaborators like Mickey Guyton and Jack White and actresses like Sheryl Lee Ralph for her Abbott Elementary Emmy win, but this is first time she’s sent one to an athlete (she gave Serena Williams a special Gatorade commercial in 2022 upon her retirement, unless she got them and didn’t tell us!) or coach.

Dawn Staley Net Worth 2024: What Is The Famed Women’s Basketball Coach Worth?

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Dawn Staley is a legendary figure in women’s basketball. She has excelled both as a player and as a coach. With an estimated net worth of $7 million in 2024, according to Sportskeeda, Staley’s financial success reflects her achievements and influence in the sport. Her storied career also includes Olympic gold medals as a player. It also shines a light on her highly successful coaching stint at the University of South Carolina and significant advocacy for women’s sports.

Dawn Staley’s journey to basketball stardom began at the University of Virginia, where she was a standout player. Her collegiate success led her to the WNBA, where she made a significant impact with teams like the Charlotte Sting and the Houston Comets. Staley’s playing career was marked by her exceptional leadership and skill, earning her six All-Star selections and induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Transition To Coaching

Dawn Staley
A-10 Commissioner Linda Bruno (Blue) and the Temple Womens Basketball Team present the USA Basketball “Women Athlete of the Year” award to Temple Head Coach Dawn Staley after a Temple Owls 59 to 43 victory over the University of Massachusetts Minutewomen at the Liacouras Ctr in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 4, 2005 (Photo by Joseph Labolito/Getty Images)

Transitioning from player to coach, Staley took the helm of the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team, where she has built a powerhouse program. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks won the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship in 2017 and made multiple appearances in the Final Four. Her coaching has not only been recognized with numerous accolades. Still, it has also greatly enhanced her financial well-being through a substantial salary and bonuses, reflective of her success and the value she brings to the institution.

Advocacy & Influence

dawn staley
CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 07: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates as the confetti falls after beating Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament National Championship at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on April 07, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. South Carolina beat Iowa 87-75. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Beyond the court, Dawn Staley has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports, working tirelessly to ensure women athletes receive recognition and compensation commensurate with their achievements. Her efforts extend into community service, where she mentors young athletes and promotes basketball and education as personal and community development tools.

Dawn Staley’s net worth of $7 million is a testament not just to her financial acumen but also to her profound impact on women’s basketball and sports in general. Her career achievements as a player and coach, combined with her advocacy for equity in sports, have made her one of the most respected figures in the field.

Meta Description: Explore Dawn Staley’s illustrious career in basketball as both a player and coach, which has culminated in a net worth of $7 million.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Women’s National Title Game Has Largest Basketball Audience Since 2019

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dawn staley ncaa champ

South Carolina’s win against Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in the women’s NCAA championship drew a preliminary audience average of 18.7 million on ABC and ESPN, with viewership expected to rise upon Nielsen’s final release.

Nielsen reported a peak audience of 24 million. This marks the most-viewed basketball game since 2019, surpassing the men’s NCAA title game’s 19.6 million average on CBS.

According to ESPN, the only sporting events with bigger audiences were the NFL, World Cup, and the Olympics. The last basketball game to grab 18 million eyes was the Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals.

In a thrilling showdown, the South Carolina Gamecocks emerged victorious over the Iowa Hawkeyes, securing their third national championship under coach Dawn Staley and capping off a flawless 2023-24 season. The Gamecocks avenged their only loss from the previous season, defeating Iowa 87-75 in a hard-fought battle.

Last season’s stunning defeat to Iowa in the semifinals served as a motivating factor for South Carolina, driving them to reclaim the national title and end their season on a high note. The victory also marked the end of an illustrious college career for Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, who, despite her remarkable achievements, fell short in the championship game once again.

Freshman guard Tessa Johnson emerged as a standout performer for the Gamecocks, surpassing her scoring average with a stellar display throughout the tournament. Johnson’s stellar performance, coupled with contributions from key role players, propelled South Carolina to victory, despite a valiant effort from Iowa’s Clark.

Clark, playing her final game for the Hawkeyes, showcased her scoring prowess with 30 points on 10-of-28 shooting. However, South Carolina’s relentless defensive effort limited her effectiveness, ultimately tipping the scales in favor of the Gamecocks.

“I wanna personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport, she carried a heavy load,” Coach Staley said. “When she’s the number 1 pick in the WNBA draft she’s gonna lift that league up as well. So Caitlin if you’re out there you are one of the GOATS.”

The Gamecocks’ dominance extended beyond the scoreboard, as they asserted control in various aspects of the game, including rebounding, second-chance points, and bench scoring. South Carolina’s relentless defensive effort limited Iowa’s offensive opportunities and paved the way for their triumph.

With a remarkable season culminating in an unbeaten national championship, South Carolina solidified its status as a powerhouse in college basketball. The victory not only secured Coach Staley a significant bonus but also highlighted the team’s resilience and determination to achieve greatness on the court. As celebrations ensued, the Gamecocks basked in the glory of their triumph, marking a historic moment in their basketball legacy.

Dawn Staley has made history as the first African American college basketball coach to win three national championships, and her rising popularity is reflected in her social media activity. The analytical team at CasinoenligneGuru conducted an analysis and observed a significant increase in her Instagram following, indicative of her growing popularity. For instance, on March 8, 2024, she had 327,097 followers, but just a month later, this number surged to 345,199. Gaining over 18,000 fans in a month is indeed an impressive achievement for an influencer.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Dawn Staley and South Carolina Claim Unbeaten National Championship

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dawn staley ncaa champ

In a thrilling showdown, the South Carolina Gamecocks emerged victorious over the Iowa Hawkeyes, securing their third national championship under coach Dawn Staley and capping off a flawless 2023-24 season. The Gamecocks avenged their only loss from the previous season, defeating Iowa 87-75 in a hard-fought battle.

Last season’s stunning defeat to Iowa in the semifinals served as a motivating factor for South Carolina, driving them to reclaim the national title and end their season on a high note. The victory also marked the end of an illustrious college career for Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, who, despite her remarkable achievements, fell short in the championship game once again.

Freshman guard Tessa Johnson emerged as a standout performer for the Gamecocks, surpassing her scoring average with a stellar display throughout the tournament. Johnson’s stellar performance, coupled with contributions from key role players, propelled South Carolina to victory, despite a valiant effort from Iowa’s Clark.

Clark, playing her final game for the Hawkeyes, showcased her scoring prowess with 30 points on 10-of-28 shooting. However, South Carolina’s relentless defensive effort limited her effectiveness, ultimately tipping the scales in favor of the Gamecocks.

“I wanna personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport, she carried a heavy load,” Coach Staley said. “When she’s the number 1 pick in the WNBA draft she’s gonna lift that league up as well. So Caitlin if you’re out there you are one of the GOATS.”

The Gamecocks’ dominance extended beyond the scoreboard, as they asserted control in various aspects of the game, including rebounding, second-chance points, and bench scoring. South Carolina’s relentless defensive effort limited Iowa’s offensive opportunities and paved the way for their triumph.

With a remarkable season culminating in an unbeaten national championship, South Carolina solidified its status as a powerhouse in college basketball. The victory not only secured Coach Staley a significant bonus but also highlighted the team’s resilience and determination to achieve greatness on the court. As celebrations ensued, the Gamecocks basked in the glory of their triumph, marking a historic moment in their basketball legacy.

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Dawn Staley: Breaking Barriers as the Highest-Paid Black Female Basketball Coach

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Dawn Staley After Final 4 Loss: 'We Just Didn’t Perform'

Dawn Staley’s name in basketball resonates with the authority and leadership that transcends the courts. Her journey is marked by resilience, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Recently, Staley etched her name in sports history again, not for her exploits on the court as a player but for her groundbreaking achievement as a coach. As the highest-paid Black female basketball coach, Staley has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations.

Born in Philadelphia in 1970, Staley’s love for basketball ignited at an early age. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, including financial constraints and limited access to resources, she refused to be deterred from her dreams. Staley’s unwavering determination propelled her to the pinnacle of success as a player. Her illustrious career includes three Olympic gold medals, multiple WNBA All-Star appearances, and induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Transitioning from player to coach seemed like a natural progression for Staley, who possessed an innate ability to inspire and lead both on and off the court. In 2008, she took the helm as the head coach of the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team, heralding a new era of dominance. Under her guidance, the Gamecocks emerged as a powerhouse in collegiate basketball, clinching national championships and earning widespread acclaim.

Staley’s impact transcends wins and losses; it’s about empowerment and representation. As a Black woman in a predominantly white, male-dominated industry, she understands the significance of her role. Through her achievements, she sends a powerful message to aspiring coaches, particularly those from underrepresented communities: dreams know no bounds, and barriers are meant to be broken.

The significance of Staley’s historic milestone as the highest-paid Black female basketball coach cannot be overstated. It symbolizes progress—a testament to the strides made towards diversity and inclusion in sports. However, it also serves as a reminder of the work that remains. Despite her success, Staley acknowledges the systemic challenges that continue to hinder opportunities for Black women in coaching and leadership positions.

Beyond her salary, Staley’s true legacy lies in her commitment to fostering positive change. Through her foundation and various initiatives, she champions causes related to education, social justice, and youth empowerment. Staley understands that true greatness is measured not by individual accolades but by the impact one has on the lives of others.

As Dawn Staley continues to rewrite the narrative of what is possible for Black women in sports, her journey inspires us all. With each triumph, she paves the way for future generations to dream bigger, reach higher, and defy the odds. In the hallowed halls of basketball history, Dawn Staley’s name will forever shine as a beacon of hope and possibility.

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Dawn Staley Thanks The “Basketball Gods” Ahead Of March Madness

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Dawn Staley has said that “preparation” has earned her South Carolina Gamecocks the favor of the “basketball gods”. “Sometimes the basketball gods favor that [preparation]. Preparation has allowed us to get lucky sometimes. I think our players play free. They play as if there are no consequences, and that’s a gift and a curse for someone like me. If you have a conversation with [players], it’s like they have short-term memory. They only think about the winning part of it. They don’t really think about how we won or how we could have lost. It’s worked for this team thus far. I don’t know if it’ll work throughout the tournament,” Staley said.

South Carolina, the only undefeated team left at the Division I level and the top overall seed in the women’s tournament, start their March Madness campaign on Friday. They face first-time dancers Presbyterian in a rematch of a game South Carolina won 99-29 back in December. However, the team will be without leading scorer Kamilla Cardoso, who is suspended for her role in a fight at the end of the SEC tournament title game. With South Carolina heavily favored to win, Cardoso will be cleared to return for their second-round game against either North Carolina or Michigan State.

Read More: South Carolina Star Becomes Steph Curry’s First NIL Signing

Elizabeth Kitley To Miss March Madness, Virginia Tech’s Hopes Of Final Four Repeat Fade

Dawn Staley
(Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Elsewhere, the basketball gods aren’t so kind. Virginia Tech star Elizabeth Kitley will miss March Madness due to a torn ACL. “On March 3rd I suffered a knee injury that is keeping me out of this year’s NCAA tournament. This is not at all how I anticipated ending this year with my team, but I’m so proud of all of our accomplishments, and I’m excited to see my girls continue to compete. Thank you to all of Hokie Nation for being so supportive during this tough time. I’m looking forward to making a strong comeback,” Kitley wrote on Instagram. She is expected to declare for the WNBA Draft after a standout career in Blacksburg.

However, the news is a devastating blow for the four-seed Hokies. Kitley forwent the WNBA Draft last season to play one more year in college. Becoming the all-time ACC leader in rebounds, Kitley catapulted the Hokies to a historic regular-season title. However, she missed the conference tournament due to the aforementioned ACL tear. With Kitley gone, it is unlikely that Virginia Tech will make back-to-back appearances in the Final Four. The Hokies reached that historic benchmark for the first time last year. Virginia Tech’s tournament begins against Marshall. However, the road back to the Final Four is guarded by a matchup against USC as well as the potential threats of UConn and Ohio State.

Read More: Paige Bueckers Forgoes WNBA Draft To Play Another Year At UConn, Basketball World Stunned

[via]

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Dawn Staley Thanks The “Basketball Gods” Ahead Of March Madness

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Dawn Staley has said that “preparation” has earned her South Carolina Gamecocks the favor of the “basketball gods”. “Sometimes the basketball gods favor that [preparation]. Preparation has allowed us to get lucky sometimes. I think our players play free. They play as if there are no consequences, and that’s a gift and a curse for someone like me. If you have a conversation with [players], it’s like they have short-term memory. They only think about the winning part of it. They don’t really think about how we won or how we could have lost. It’s worked for this team thus far. I don’t know if it’ll work throughout the tournament,” Staley said.

South Carolina, the only undefeated team left at the Division I level and the top overall seed in the women’s tournament, start their March Madness campaign on Friday. They face first-time dancers Presbyterian in a rematch of a game South Carolina won 99-29 back in December. However, the team will be without leading scorer Kamilla Cardoso, who is suspended for her role in a fight at the end of the SEC tournament title game. With South Carolina heavily favored to win, Cardoso will be cleared to return for their second-round game against either North Carolina or Michigan State.

Read More: South Carolina Star Becomes Steph Curry’s First NIL Signing

Elizabeth Kitley To Miss March Madness, Virginia Tech’s Hopes Of Final Four Repeat Fade

Dawn Staley
(Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Elsewhere, the basketball gods aren’t so kind. Virginia Tech star Elizabeth Kitley will miss March Madness due to a torn ACL. “On March 3rd I suffered a knee injury that is keeping me out of this year’s NCAA tournament. This is not at all how I anticipated ending this year with my team, but I’m so proud of all of our accomplishments, and I’m excited to see my girls continue to compete. Thank you to all of Hokie Nation for being so supportive during this tough time. I’m looking forward to making a strong comeback,” Kitley wrote on Instagram. She is expected to declare for the WNBA Draft after a standout career in Blacksburg.

However, the news is a devastating blow for the four-seed Hokies. Kitley forwent the WNBA Draft last season to play one more year in college. Becoming the all-time ACC leader in rebounds, Kitley catapulted the Hokies to a historic regular-season title. However, she missed the conference tournament due to the aforementioned ACL tear. With Kitley gone, it is unlikely that Virginia Tech will make back-to-back appearances in the Final Four. The Hokies reached that historic benchmark for the first time last year. Virginia Tech’s tournament begins against Marshall. However, the road back to the Final Four is guarded by a matchup against USC as well as the potential threats of UConn and Ohio State.

Read More: Paige Bueckers Forgoes WNBA Draft To Play Another Year At UConn, Basketball World Stunned

[via]

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SOURCE SPORTS: Dawn Staley Defends South Carolina Team After Final Four Loss

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Dawn Staley After Final 4 Loss: 'We Just Didn’t Perform'

The South Carolina Gamecocks came one game short of their ultimate goal of winning the national championship. In the postgame, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley felt her team gave an abnormal performance.

“I don’t think we felt pressure to win the game, we just didn’t perform,” Staley said.

“I’m pretty numb right now. I just want to make sure my players are OK. Some of them just played their last game in a Gamecock uniform. I want to make sure I’m there for them. I want to make sure their hearts aren’t hurting too bad.”

Next season, Staley will come back with a team most likely not to have its star player in Aliyah Boston, who is expected to declare and be the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft.

In addition, Staley protected the reputation of her team after a forced narrative placed “bullies” and more unflattering adjectives on their character.

You can see the postgame conference and highlights below.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks Win Their 2nd Women’s Basketball National Championship

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South Carolina Gamecocks, led by head coach Dawn Staley and their solid defensive pressure, won their second national championship, stifling UConn for a 64-49 victory Sunday night that ended the Huskies’ undefeated streak in title games.

South Carolina guard Destanni Henderson and forward Aliyah Boston were the stars of Sunday’s game. Henderson ended the game with 26 points and Boston with 11. 

“I’ve been thinking about it since last season, everyone had a picture of me crying. But today we’re national champions and I’m in tears,” Boston said, referring to last year’s Final Four loss to Stanford.

It was South Carolina’s night from the start. The Gamecocks (35-2) jumped out to an 11-2 lead, grabbing nearly every rebound on both ends of the court. They led to 22-8 after one quarter, much to the delight of their faithful fans, who made the trip to Minneapolis to be part of the sellout crowd.

This was UConn’s first trip to the championship game since 2016 when the Huskies won the last of four straight titles. Since then, the team has suffered heartbreaking defeats in the national semifinals, losing twice in overtime before holding off Stanford on Friday night. 

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