The South Carolina Gamecocks continued to demonstrate their dominance in the 2024-25 NCAA women’s basketball season with a commanding 82-54 victory over Vanderbilt on Sunday, Feb. 23. The team improved to an impressive 25-3 record, remaining a strong force in the SEC standings.
However, before leading her squad to another decisive win, head coach Dawn Staley grabbed attention for a different reason — taking center stage at a live concert alongside R&B star Tamia.
Dawn Staley Showcases Her Moves on Stage
On Friday night, Staley made a surprise appearance during Tamia’s performance at Colonial Life Arena. She danced to the well-known Tamia Shuffle alongside the singer. Fans erupted with excitement, and the moment quickly gained traction on social media.
The X page of Queer Latifah posted the video with the caption:
“Scrolling on TikTok and it’s only fitting I see @dawnstaley hitting the Tamia’s shuffle with Tamia herself.”
Scrolling on Tik Tok and it’s only fitting I see @dawnstaley hitting the Tamia’s shuffle with Tamia herself. pic.twitter.com/Qtqgw2d1DP
— Queer Latifah 🥂 (@TheAfrocentricI) February 22, 2025
This unexpected but entertaining moment had Gamecocks fans buzzing ahead of their next matchup.
Staley has built a reputation as one of the greatest coaches in women’s college basketball history, but her recent dance moves added a new dimension to her public persona.
However, this is not the first time. Before taking the stage with Tamia, she showcased her rhythm in a video posted on her personal X account.
CHALLENGE NOT ACCEPTED 🙅🏽♀️🙅🏽♀️🙅🏽♀️🙅🏽♀️🙅🏽♀️ @supremenia @ashleybruner_ pic.twitter.com/dl9xMsbcWx
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) June 11, 2024
The clip featured her dancing in the Gamecocks’ gym alongside players and staff members, including Sania Feagin, Sakima Walker, Ashley Bruner, and Markeshia Grant, to Tamia’s 2006 hit song “Can’t Get Enough.”
Maintaining Focus Heading Into the Postseason
While Staley’s dancing skills took center stage for a brief moment, her primary focus has always been on winning basketball games. She has transformed South Carolina into one of the most dominant programs in NCAA women’s basketball.
Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have secured three national championships in the past eight years, winning titles in 2017, 2022, and 2024. Her 2024 championship run was particularly historic, as she became the first Black coach to guide a Division I college basketball team to an undefeated season (38-0).
This season, South Carolina continues to position itself as a top contender for another deep tournament run. The Gamecocks are closing in on the end of the regular season with two remaining matchups that could solidify their status before postseason play begins.
KEEP READING: What South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley Shared About Her Mother
The team will travel to take on unranked Ole Miss in a road game on Thursday, Feb. 27, airing on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET. After that, they will return home to face No. 15 Kentucky on Sunday at 2 p.m. in what will be a highly anticipated home finale.
With the NCAA Tournament fast approaching, South Carolina will look to carry its momentum forward in pursuit of another national championship.
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