Dawn Staley, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and the NCAA’s all-time steals leader, was a dynamic force at the University of Virginia, guiding her team to three straight Final Fours. A two-time National Player of the Year, she earned Most Outstanding Player honors at the 1991 NCAA Final Four.
Staley helped shape professional women’s basketball, competing in the ABL with Richmond and later in the WNBA with the Sting and Comets. A five-time WNBA All-Star and three-time Kodak All-America, she carried the U.S. flag at the 2004 Olympics, marking a career defined by excellence and leadership.
Dawn Staley’s College Basketball Journey: Inside Her Alma Mater
Dawn Staley, one of basketball’s most accomplished figures, played at the University of Virginia from 1988 to 1992. Her tenure with the Cavaliers cemented her status as one of the greatest players in NCAA history.
Before joining Virginia, Staley was a sensation in high school basketball at Dobbins Technical in Philadelphia, scoring an average of 33.1 points per game. Her notable play won her the USA Today’s National High School Player of the Year title in 1988.
She continued that excellence in college, leading Virginia to a 110-21 record across four seasons. Her leadership propelled the Cavaliers to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including three straight Final Fours and a national championship game.
In her college days, Staley bagged the two-time National Player of the Year in 1991 and 1992 and was awarded the ACC Female Athlete of the Year. She ended her college years with 2,135 points and got her name into NCCA’s records with 454 career steals. Later, this was overtaken by Natalie White.
At the time, she also held Virginia’s all-time scoring record and the ACC’s career assists record with 729, though those were later broken by Monica Wright and Sharnee Zoll, respectively. In recognition of her impact, Virginia retired her No. 24 jersey.
After college, Staley transitioned to coaching, taking over Temple’s program in 2000. In 2008, she became the head coach at South Carolina, where she built a powerhouse. In 2017, the Gamecocks won their first NCAA title, with three players selected in the first round of the WNBA Draft.
While Staley never won a national title as a player, she came close with Virginia. As a coach, she has firmly established herself among the sport’s greatest winners, guiding South Carolina to multiple championships.
South Carolina Survives Maryland to Reach Fifth Straight Elite Eight
South Carolina, the top seed, won over No. 4 seed Maryland in the Sweet 16 game 71-67, reaching their fifth Elite Eight in a row. With the Gamecocks (33-3) playing the Terrapins (25-8), it was a tough game with many interruptions but no increase in physical play than usual.
South Carolina, which averages 13.3 fouls per game, was called for 18, while Maryland had 10. Te-Hina Paopao picked up her second foul late in the first quarter.
KEEP READING: ‘We Knew We Were On Borrowed Time’ – Dawn Staley Continues Praise for Winston Gandy
Coach Dawn Staley addressed her discussions with officials, saying,
“The animation was probably more we having a jokingly conversation rather than a heated conversation.” She praised the referees for their communication, adding, “That’s why they’re officiating in the Sweet 16 … they’re able to handle those type situations.”
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