Career Timeline of Dawn Staley: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Dawn Staley, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Dawn Staley is an accomplished American basketball coach and former player. As a point guard, she starred at the University of Virginia and in the WNBA. Her career includes three Olympic gold medals as a player for the United States and another as head coach in 2021. She currently coaches the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, leading them to national prominence. Staley is the only person to win the Naismith Award as both a player and a coach, solidifying her legacy in basketball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1996: Lisa Leslie Leads in 1996 Olympics

In 1996, Lisa Leslie led the USA team in scoring at the Olympics.

1998: Lisa Leslie Leads in 1998 World Championship

In 1998, Lisa Leslie led the USA team in scoring at the World Championship.

1999: WNBA Draft Selection

In 1999, Dawn Staley was selected as the ninth overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Charlotte Sting.

2000: Head Coach at Temple University

In 2000, Dawn Staley accepted the position of head coach at Temple University while still playing in the WNBA.

2000: Lisa Leslie Leads in 2000 Olympics

In 2000, Lisa Leslie led the USA team in scoring at the Olympics.

2002: Atlantic 10 Tournament

In 2002, Dawn Staley's team won the Atlantic 10 tournament qualifying for the NCAA tournament.

2002: Lisa Leslie Leads in 2002 World Championship

In 2002, Lisa Leslie led the USA team in scoring at the World Championship.

2004: Lisa Leslie Leads in 2004 Olympics

In 2004, Lisa Leslie led the USA team in scoring at the Olympics.

August 1, 2005: Trade to the Houston Comets

On August 1, 2005, Dawn Staley was traded to the Houston Comets.

2006: Assistant Coach for USA National Team

In 2006, Dawn Staley served as an assistant coach for the transitioning USA national team. Despite challenges with player availability and injuries to key players like Sheryl Swoopes, the team secured a bronze medal.

2007: Coaching Team USA to Gold at Pan Am Games

In 2007, Dawn Staley coached Team USA to a gold medal at the Pan Am games.

May 7, 2008: South Carolina Coaching Position

On May 7, 2008, it was confirmed that Dawn Staley would leave Temple University to take the head coaching position at the University of South Carolina.

2008: Assistant Coach at Beijing Olympics

In 2008, Dawn Staley served as an assistant coach under Anne Donovan for Team USA at the Beijing Summer Olympics, contributing to the team's fourth consecutive gold medal in women's basketball.

2014: Head Coach of U17 Team

In 2014, Dawn Staley served as head coach to the U17 Team and won a gold medal at the U18 Americas Championship.

2015: Head Coach of U19 Team

In 2015, Dawn Staley served as head coach to the U19 Team, winning a gold medal at the U19 FIBA World Championship and was awarded the USA Basketball National Coach of the Year award.

2016: Assistant Coach at Rio Olympics

In 2016, Dawn Staley was an assistant coach under Geno Auriemma for the Team USA at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, contributing to the team winning their sixth straight gold medal in women's basketball.

March 10, 2017: Named Head Coach of USA National Women's Team

On March 10, 2017, Dawn Staley was appointed as the head coach of the USA national women's team.

2018: Gold Medal in 2018 World Cup

In 2018, Dawn Staley coached Team USA to a gold medal in the World Cup in Spain.

2019: Gold Medal in 2019 FIBA AmeriCup

In 2019, Dawn Staley coached Team USA to a gold medal in the FIBA AmeriCup.

2020: First Gold Medal as Head Coach

At the 2020 Summer Olympics, Dawn Staley won her first gold medal as the Head coach for Team USA.

October 15, 2021: Contract Extension with South Carolina

On October 15, 2021, Dawn Staley signed a seven-year, $22.4 million contract extension with South Carolina, making her the highest-paid Black college basketball coach in the country.

2021: Gold Medal in 2021 FIBA AmeriCup

In 2021, Dawn Staley coached Team USA to a gold medal in the FIBA AmeriCup.

January 2022: Hosts "Netlife" Podcast

Beginning in January 2022, Dawn Staley hosted a podcast called "Netlife", which was produced by Just Women's Sports.

2022: Gamecocks Win National Championship

In 2022, Dawn Staley's Gamecocks, ranked #1 in both polls throughout the season, defeated 14 ranked teams, including Stanford, UConn, NC State, Oregon, Maryland, Duke, LSU, Tennessee, and Georgia. They won the NCAA tournament by defeating Howard, Miami, North Carolina, Creighton, Louisville, and UConn again, securing a second national championship. Staley became the first coach to defeat Geno Auriemma, Tara VanDerveer, and Kim Mulkey in the same season, earning her another Naismith Award, and she coached the National Player of the Year, Aliyah Boston.

February 22, 2024: Staley Wins Her 600th Game

On February 22, 2024, Dawn Staley achieved her 600th career win in 786 games, with 534 of those wins at South Carolina.

2024: Perfect Season and Third National Title

In 2024, Dawn Staley led her team to a perfect 38-0 season, securing their third national title. Staley also received her fourth Naismith Coach of the Year Award.