South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley once talked about her fashion as a coach. In Jan. 2023, Staley was interviewed by Brett Ledbetter of “What Drives Winning.” He asked the tenured tactician for her thoughts on the freedom being given nowadays to team personnel on the sidelines when it comes to what they wear.
For a coach who’s known for her vibrant and unique fashion pieces, Staley said she was all for it. She mentioned that she grew up in North Philadelphia, where she couldn’t afford what she liked.
“I don’t know. I mean I like nice things. I grew up in the projects in North Philly. I didn’t have a lot of nice things and couldn’t afford a lot of nice things, but it never stopped me from imagining. It never stopped me from window shopping, and never stopped me from looking at magazines. Now that I’m in a position where I can afford what I wear and what I like to wear, that’s what I do,” Staley said (17:46).
“If I feel good and look good, I feel like it’s a direct correlation with playing well and performing well,” she added.
Now, Staley has become a three-time national champion as a coach. Her Gamecocks squad won the 2024 national title over the Iowa Hawkeyes through a 12-point edge, 87-75. Their back-to-back NCAA title hopes were spoiled by the UConn Huskies in the recently concluded 2025 NCAA championship game by 23 points, 82-59.
Read More: Dawn Staley Revisits Frustration With Shaquille O’Neal’s $80,000,000 Worth Contract Amid Her Early Struggles
When Dawn Staley addressed criticism of her outfits
After Dawn Staley opened up about her North Philadelphia background being a driving factor towards her outfits, Brett Ledbetter asked her what she makes of all the people commenting and giving their takes on her sideline fits.
For Staley, it’s just another discussion among the many discussions already towards her.
“Our game is full of narratives, so it’s just one more narrative. Some people like it, some people don’t. It’s a commentary. It is a layer to our game. If they’re talking about what I’m wearing during the game, it means somebody’s watching, and I prefer them watching women’s basketball,” she shared (18:30).
Staley now enters her 18th year at the helm of the South Carolina Gamecocks’ coaching staff, looking to win her and her program’s fourth national title, three in the last five years. On Friday, Aug. 22, it was announced that global sportswear brand Nike will take over from Under Armour as the Gamecocks’ gear supplier starting on July 1 of next year, meaning Staley’s fits may see adjustments towards the swoosh.
Also Read: “You’re Able to Get Out the Aggression”: When Dawn Staley Opened Up on Living Her Passion in Real Time At Special Event
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
