“It’s not working so I sit my butt down”: When $12 million worth Dawn Staley broke down her "game plan" for dealing with officials

Dawn Staley is one of the most successful and richest coaches in college basketball, with an approximate worth of $12 million, as per celebritynetworth.com. However, she does have her qualms about the sport, especially about questionable officiating.

Staley was featured as a special guest on "The Pivot Podcast" in a video uploaded to YouTube in May 2023. They conversed about her Philadelphia upbringing to the Gamecocks' run in that year's NCAA Tournament, to media criticisms, to impact on culture and women's sports.

One topic they discussed revolved around the officiating in the sport, as Staley says she tries to give the best preparation for the team to be ready for that aspect.

"I am thinking about, like, they are a part of our game, and you have to game plan for officiating. So yes, do I tell my team it doesn't matter, it doesn't matter what they're calling and how they're calling, we just have to focus on what we can control. You have to mention that. And then, I don't, I don't mention that to them at all," Staley said at the 32:12 mark.

"Now, I will say some things during the game that what I'm seeing. And I did say that during the game, I'm like, this is, you know, 'This is not right. Like, seriously, this is not right.' And they give you the looks and then I know it's not working, so I sat my butt down and put my focus into the game to our team and how to strategize against that."

What's next for Dawn Staley and South Carolina?

Dawn Staley and the No. 2 Gamecocks have maintained strong form throughout the 2024-25 season.

South Carolina boasts an 18-1 record, including a 6-0 start in SEC play as well as an active win streak of 13 consecutive games. They put up 82.7 points on 47.2% shooting from the field and 34.4% from beyond the arc, blowing out teams by a margin of 27.6 points per game.

Joyce Edwards leads the team in scoring with 12.1 points on 56.6% shooting overall while coming off the bench. MiLaysia Fulwiley comes next with 11.2 points and 2.9 rebounds, while Te-Hina Paopao puts up 11.1 points and 2.8 assists.

Dawn Staley and the No. 2 Gamecocks will prepare for their ranked matchup against the No. 5 LSU Tigers at the Colonial Life Arena on Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. ET.