Dawn Staley has transformed the South Carolina Gamecocks into a dominant force in college basketball.
Most recently, she guided South Carolina to the NCAA national championship game, securing victories over Tennessee Tech, Indiana, Maryland, Duke, and Texas along the way. Although the Gamecocks ultimately fell to UConn in the title matchup, their five-tournament wins marked yet another impressive season under Staley’s leadership.
Following the season, as Staley and her staff set their sights on another title run, she also celebrated her 55th birthday. On the occasion, associate head coach Lisa Boyer shared a heartfelt message, calling Staley an “incredible human being” and “ONE OF ONE.”
“It’s time to wish our best girl @dawnstaley a VERY VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!” Boyer wrote on X. “Many know her as ‘Coach’ but she is an incredible human being. ONE OF ONE!!! Love me some Dawnnie:):) Enjoy your day my friend.”
Boyer has worked alongside Staley at South Carolina since 2008, initially joining as an assistant coach before being promoted to associate head coach in 2010. Her coaching career also includes roles at Virginia Tech, Davidson, Miami, East Carolina, and other programs.
Since arriving in Columbia in 2008, Staley has cemented her legacy as one of the most accomplished coaches in women’s basketball. Under her leadership, South Carolina has captured three national championships, made seven Final Four appearances, and claimed nine SEC regular-season and nine SEC Tournament titles.