South Carolina: “More impressive with the hairstyle”: College hoops fans react as Dawn Staley’s impressive highlight clip resurfaces

“More impressive with the hairstyle”: College hoops fans react as Dawn Staley’s impressive highlight clip resurfaces

Modified Feb 22, 2025 00:54 GMT

NCAA Womens Basketball: Arkansas at South Carolina - Source: Imagn — South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley - Source: Imagn

CBS Sports' We Need to Talk posted on Instagram Thursday to remind college hoops fans that before she was the seasoned, three-time national championship-winning coach of South Carolina, Dawn Staley was a baller herself.

The post included a photo of Staley during her time playing basketball for the University of Virginia, as well as a video clip from her college days.

"Coach was HOOPIN’ hoopin’ 🔥," the Instagram caption read.

Fans flodded the comments with their reactions to the post. Some pointed to the nostalgia of the post as seen through Staley's signature 1990s haircut.

"More impressive with the hairstyle😂"

A comment points out Staley's hairstyle in her college photo

"The hairstyle brings back a ton of memories."

Another IG user discusses Staley's hairstyle

Others said they already knew that Staley was a star before the Instagram post.

"Coach was a certified DAWG✅"

"We knew this tho.😂😂🔥"

An IG user says they already knew Dawn Staley was a hooper

Comments including only emojis to evoke praise for Staley were also popular.

"🐐"

"🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥"

An IG user responds to We Need To Talk with fire emojis

Dawn Staley's playing career

Despite coaching at South Carolina for the past 17 seasons, Staley spent her own college years at the University of Virginia. The point guard led the Cavaliers to three consecutive Final Four appearances and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 1991 Final Four.

Staley was also a two-time National Player of the Year at Virginia and a three-time Kodak All-American. She went on to have a professional career, playing in the ABL and then in the WNBA for the Sting and Comets.

NCAA Womens Basketball: Connecticut at South Carolina - Source: Imagn

The point guard was a five-time WNBA All-Star and a three-time Olympic gold medalist. Her basketball excellence led to her being named to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame the following year.

Last month, Dawn Staley was also inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 along with legendary Duke and Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski and Spanish legend Pau Gasol.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

Know More

Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey - who is NCAAW's highest-paid coach? Find out here

Edited by Brad Taningco