“I didn’t like my mother growing up”: When Dawn Staley made her initial feelings clear about her mom and the reality check that fueled her success

Dawn Staley often talks about her childhood, and how the struggles she faced helped shape the person she is today. In July 2024, the South Carolina coach joined episode 200 of the "Taking the Pulse: A Health Care and Life Sciences Video" podcast from Maynard Nexsen.

The episode focused on 'Athlete Mental Health and Physical Conditioning' and Dawn Staley discussed how her mother, Estelle Staley, influenced the way she deals with her players. The coach revealed that she is her most authentic self and doesn't put on airs.

"I do believe that my mother has a lot to do with who I am," Staley said (16:26). It's a shame it takes you when you're in your 50s to realize what your mother was saying back when you were seven, eight, nine, where you couldn't do certain things because of what my mother perceived as negative or um could derail you from having a successful life"

"I didn't like my mother growing up. I didn't like her ... because I never saw the things that she saw and I'm not supposed to, I was too young to see it. But now that I'm where I am today and I'm responsible for 12 to 15 young ladies, I am my mother's child. I mother like my mother mothered me."

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When Dawn Staley revealed that she shares a motherly bond with her players

In her time in South Carolina, Dawn Staley has seen the growth of many young women. Many, like A'ja Wilson and Kamilla Cardoso, have shared that the coach is like a second mother to them, caring for and correcting them whenever necessary.

In an interview with News 19 WLTX in March 2024, Staley shared that she understands the bond between a mother and a child, thanks to her players.

"I mean, I sit back and I'm really just proud," she said. "I never birth a child, but I've come close, having so many current and former players. I know what a mother's love feels like. I know what a mother's pride feels like. I know what it feels like to see a young person succeed."

This season, Dawn Staley and her team are attempting to go back-to-back with national championship wins. They are now on a 14-1 overall record.