“My passion has always been young people”: When Dawn Staley detailed why she doesn't consider coaching at the 'next level'

Dawn Staley is in her 16th season as coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, having led the team to national championships in 2017, 2022 and 2024. With the kind of coaching prowess she has shown, many have wondered why Staley hasn't taken her talents to the WNBA.

In a November 2023 episode of "The ETCs", Eddie Gonzalez asked her if she'd ever consider coaching at the "next level," to which, Staley said:

"My passion has always been young people, and also just making sure they understand what it takes when they get to the league, they are the ones that will carry this league to higher heights. So, it's almost to secure that that takes place.

"If you don't understand what the league is about, the preparation it takes to have staying power and longevity in it, then the league's not going to be safe. So, I really enjoy helping to mold players, getting them ready for life. ... My passion's at the collegiate level. I hope it stays that way." (3:33)

In her seven-year career as a WNBA player, Dawn Staley was named an All-Star six times. She also represented Team USA in the World Cup as well as the Olympics, with three gold medals to her name.

Her experience as a player is why A'ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston, products of the Gamecocks system, are WNBA standouts. With current budding stars Te-Hina Paopao and MiLaysia Fulwiley looking to join the fray eventually, Staley is pleased to know that her high-profile alumnae continues to grow.

For the 2024-2025 season, Dawn Staley and South Carolina have been able to uncork a 10-1 start. The Gamecocks will next play against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers on Thursday.

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Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks have been a driving force in growth of women's basketball

The 2024 NCAA national championship title game between the Gamecocks and the Iowa Hawkeyes broke viewership records, becoming the most-watched basketball game at any level since 2019.

However, even before the win, Dawn Staley has always been vocal about her and her program's influence on the development of the women's game:

"Women's basketball is bursting through the seams. This is the best time to be playing our sport. What needs to happen much like why we got our sport to where we are now, is all based on competition and the best players are playing the very best basketball." (7:39)

Perhaps, another Gamecocks chip in 2024-2025 could add more fuel to the women's basketball fire.