"It wasn't equal opportunity": Dawn Staley gets real on challenges of growing up in 'volatile environment' of North Philadelphia

Dawn Staley is recognized by many as one of the best players and coaches in women's basketball history. But she first had to persevere through challenges in her hometown before getting to where she is today.

Virginia Sports TV uploaded a video of their new series titled "Our Place" on Monday, with their latest installment featuring Staley as the special guest. She reflected on her upbringing in North Philadelphia, which didn't have the best conditions to surround herself with.

"Growing up in North Philly was probably, to most, a very volatile environment. It wasn't equal opportunity. You had to earn everything that you got, just because maybe I had a reputation of playing sports, that didn't mean I was always welcomed, because I wasn't. I was challenged to get in the game. I was challenged to make them think a little bit differently about me," Staley said.

Dawn Staley believes that Milaysia Fulwiley can maximize her superpower

Having a talented player in Milaysia Fulwiley, who has been a spark plug off the bench for South Carolina, Dawn Staley emphasizes the importance of getting her to maximize her best traits.

“It’s not addition by subtraction with her, it’s just addition. We recruited her flash, we knew that was what she was bringing to the table. When the flash isn’t working, you have to have something to fall back on," Staley said.

"She knew there’s more, she just didn’t know what that looked like, she (came) to a place that understands what her superpower is."

12 games into the 2024-25 campaign, Fulwiley is averaging 10 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and a steal per contest on 41% shooting from the field and 24.3% from beyond the arc. She has not started in any game this year, with her effectiveness off the bench proving her worthy of the sixth player role.

Her efforts have helped South Carolina boast an 11-1 record with an ongoing six-game winning streak. The team puts up 80.5 points on 46.5% shooting overall and 35.2% from downtown, while limiting opponents to 55.2 points on 36.1% shooting from the field and 34% from three.

Dawn Staley and the No. 2 Gamecocks have one more game to cap off 2024, hosting Wofford at the Colonial Life Arena on Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. ET.