**Breaking News: Dawn Staley Named College Coach of the Year, Wins Prestigious Naismith Award**
In a momentous recognition of excellence, South Carolina head coach **Dawn Staley** has been named the 2025 **Naismith College Coach of the Year**, cementing her status as one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in college basketball. The prestigious honor, awarded annually to the nation’s top coach, celebrates Staley’s incredible leadership, commitment to excellence, and the sustained dominance of her South Carolina Gamecocks.
This marks the **third time** Staley has won the Naismith award (previously in 2020 and 2022), making her one of only a handful of coaches in history to receive the honor multiple times. Under her guidance, the Gamecocks finished the 2024–25 regular season with a **remarkable undefeated record**, dominating the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and earning the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Staley’s squad, built around a blend of elite defense, rebounding, and team-first basketball, has become a model of consistency and culture in women’s college basketball. Her ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent—while also instilling discipline and a team-oriented mindset—has helped shape South Carolina into a perennial powerhouse.
“This award is truly about the players, the staff, and everyone who believes in what we’re building at South Carolina,” said Staley in her acceptance speech. “It’s a reflection of their hard work, belief, and willingness to buy in every single day.”
The Gamecocks’ 2024–25 campaign was a testament to Staley’s brilliance on the sidelines. Despite losing several key contributors to the WNBA last season, Staley reloaded with a talented mix of underclassmen and transfers. Her team not only led the nation in scoring defense but also ranked in the top five in rebounding margin and assists per game. South Carolina routinely shut down high-powered offenses, holding opponents under 60 points in over 20 games this season.
In addition to her on-court success, Staley continues to be a powerful advocate for women in sports, racial equality, and community engagement. Her influence stretches far beyond the hardwood. As one of the most visible and vocal leaders in college athletics, Staley has used her platform to empower young women and bring attention to issues of social justice.
With this latest accolade, her legacy only grows stronger. A Hall of Fame player and now a three-time Naismith-winning coach, Staley is carving out a coaching résumé that rivals the best in the sport’s history. She joins the ranks of legends like Pat Summitt, Geno Auriemma, and Tara VanDerveer—coaches who not only won, but transformed the game.
As the Gamecocks prepare for another deep postseason run, the timing of this honor couldn’t be more fitting. For Dawn Staley, this is not just a recognition of one season’s success—it’s a tribute to a coaching career defined by excellence, leadership, and impact.
With the Naismith trophy now in hand, Dawn Staley and South Carolina will look to cap off their dream season with what would be Staley’s **third national championship**, adding yet another chapter to an already historic legacy.
