Dawn Staley Biography: Dawn Michelle Staley born May 4, 1970 is a legendary American basketball coach and former professional player, currently serving as the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team. Known for her exceptional leadership both on and off the court, Staley was a standout point guard during her playing days, starring for the Virginia Cavaliers in college and later competing in the WNBA, primarily with the Charlotte Sting. She is a three-time Olympic gold medalist as a player (1996, 2000, 2004) and added another gold as head coach of the U.S. women’s national team at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Notably, she is the only individual to win the prestigious Naismith Award as both a player and a coach.
Dawn Staley Biography
Dawn Staley, born on May 4, 1970, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team. Staley’s basketball journey began at Dobbins Tech High School before she continued her collegiate career at the University of Virginia. As a player, she earned three Olympic gold medals with Team USA. As a coach, she also secured an Olympic gold medal. Since taking the reins in 2008, Staley has led the Gamecocks to significant success.
Dawn Staley Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
May 4, 1970 (age 55)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Listed height |
5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| High school |
Dobbins Tech
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| College |
Virginia (1988–1992) |
| WNBA draft |
1999: 1st round, 9th overall pick |
| Drafted by |
Charlotte Sting |
| Playing career |
1996–2006 |
| Position |
Point guard |
| Number |
5 |
| Coaching career |
2000–present |
| Category |
Football Biographies |
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About Dawn Staley
Dawn Michelle Staley is an American basketball coach and former player who is the head coach for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team.
Dawn Staley Wiki
- Born: 4 May 1970 (age 55 years), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Team coached: South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball (Head coach, since 2008)
- Salary: 40 lakhs USD (2025)
- Teammates: Lisa Leslie, Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Sheryl Swoopes ·
- Education: University of Virginia (1988–1992), Dobbins Technical High School
- Parents: Clarence Staley, Estelle Staley
- Height: 1.68 m
Early Life
Dawn Staley was born in North Philadelphia to parents Clarence and Estelle Staley, who had moved there from Orangeburg County, South Carolina in the 1950s as teenagers. They married young and settled in the Raymond Rosen Homes housing project in 1967, raising five children—three sons (Lawrence, Anthony, and Eric) and two daughters (Tracey and Dawn). Raised in a strict, faith-based household by her homemaker mother and part-time carpenter father, Staley credits her upbringing for instilling discipline and resilience—traits that would later define her career and leadership style.
Dawn Staley’s contract
Dawn Staley is currently in the third year of her seven-year, $22.4 million contract, which she signed in 2021. For the 2024 season, she earned $3.1 million, according to USA Today Sports Data. Her salary will increase by $100,000 each year until the contract concludes after the 2027-28 season. Staley is one of just three women’s basketball coaches in the U.S. who earn over $3 million, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth. In January 2025, she signed a contract extension running through the 2029-2030 season, worth $25.25 million.
Dawn Staley’s Net Worth 2025 & Contract History
As of March 2025, Dawn Staley’s net worth is estimated at $12 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Staley extended her contract with South Carolina, making her the highest-paid coach in the SEC. The deal included a $1 million base salary and $2 million in supplemental pay, according to ESPN. In January 2025, Staley signed another extension, further solidifying her position as the highest-paid women’s basketball coach. This new deal features a $4 million annual base salary, a $500,000 signing bonus, and a $250,000 raise each year. The total value of the contract is $25.25 million, lasting through the 2029-2030 season.
Dawn Staley Salary Details
In January 2025, Staley secured a $25.25 million contract extension with the University of South Carolina, which provides her with an annual salary of $4 million—an $800,000 increase, according to ESPN.
FAQs
What teams did Dawn Staley play for in the WNBA?
Dawn Staley played for the Charlotte Sting and later the Houston Comets during her WNBA career. She was selected ninth overall by the Sting in the 1999 WNBA Draft and earned six consecutive All-Star selections before retiring in 2006.
How many national championships has Dawn Staley won as a coach?
As head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, Dawn Staley has led the team to three NCAA national championships—in 2017, 2022, and an undefeated season in 2024.
What is significant about Dawn Staley’s college basketball career?
During her time at the University of Virginia, Staley set the NCAA record for steals, the school record for points, and the ACC record for assists. She is considered one of the best point guards in women’s college basketball history.
Did Dawn Staley coach and play at the same time?
Yes, while still playing in the WNBA, Dawn Staley served as the head coach for the Temple Owls women’s basketball team from 2000 to 2008, making her one of the few to coach at a high level while actively playing professionally.
When was Dawn Staley inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame?
Dawn Staley was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, honoring both her playing and coaching achievements.
What impact has Dawn Staley had on South Carolina’s basketball program?
Since taking over as head coach in 2008, Staley has built South Carolina into a national powerhouse, earning multiple SEC titles and NCAA tournament appearances, including several Final Four runs and national championships.
