South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley is known for her success as a college coach. Since taking over the Gamecocks women’s basketball program in 2008, she has turned it into one of the premier programs in the sport. The team is a consistent national championship contender, having won three times since 2017.
On Wednesday, Staley made an appearance on the “IMO” podcast, hosted by former first lady Michelle Obama and her older brother Craig Robinson.
You can catch Dawn Staley’s interview with Michelle Obama tomorrow on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. @imopodcasts pic.twitter.com/bjtO5e9fnJ
— WNBAGamecocks (@WNBAGamecocks) August 12, 2025
On the episode, Staley opened up about how A’ja Wilson was a “safe house” for her while making Olympic lineup changes in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“It’s a lonely place because the assistant coaches are trying to help and suggest and all of that, but the onus is on me,” Dawn Staley said (48:30). “When it’s all said and done, it’s gonna be me that that failed or got the job done. So I just exhale, and I’m saying, I’m gonna do it my way. Like, if Aja Wilson is the player that I’m most comfortable with, well, I’m gonna put her in the starting lineup, and we’re just gonna pivot and go from there. And then that was just kind of my safe house.”
Staley then disclosed about how she navigated player emotions when making lineup decisions at the Olympics. She spoke about being open and honest with the players, and told them to view the Olympics as an opportunity. If they had a positive attitude and worked hard at the 2020 Olympics, despite not playing much, they would have a greater chance of becoming a two-time Olympian.
Dawn Staley Was Not Selected As the Head Coach for the 2024 Olympics
While Dawn Staley was successful in leading Team USA to a gold medal in the 2020 Olympics, she was not named the head coach again in 2024. Instead, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve guided Team USA to a gold medal.
However, Staley was the one who decided to leave Team USA. The 55-year-old opted to step down from the team because she felt she had accomplished everything and preferred to focus on the Gamecocks. Staley and the Gamecocks won the national championship in 2024.
Read More:
- Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Offers Assistants Combined Contract Extension Worth Over $1,000,000 Ahead of 2025 Season Ft. Lisa Boyer
- When A’ja Wilson Recalled Candid Thoughts On First Meeting With Dawn Staley
- Michelle Obama Draws Connection to South Carolina’s Dawn Staley Over Similar Early Life Experiences
