“She has done things that you can only imagine”: Dawn Staley gives legendary Pat Summitt her flowers

South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley was named the highest-paid coach in NCAA women’s basketball history. On the other hand, she took a moment to reflect on the impact of Tennessee coaching legend Pat Summitt. As South Carolina prepared to honor Summitt during their We Back Pat game against Oklahoma, Staley shared her admiration for her.

Pat Summitt’s illustrious career spanned 38 seasons as head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols. She led her teams to eight national championships and remains one of only three coaches in NCAA women’s basketball to secure back-to-back titles, achieving this feat in 2007 and 2008. Staley, speaking in a video posted by the SEC Network's Instagram page, emphasized Summitt’s influence:

“Pat Summitt has been the standard in our game, and she’s done things that you can only imagine.”

In her tribute, Staley acknowledged Summitt’s ability to elevate women’s basketball to new heights. She praised her for setting a precedent for excellence and said:

"We need to honor all the foremothers of our sport because of the standard. It was all attributed to Coach Summitt and her ability to bring out the best in all of her players, like all of her players."

Pat Summitt’s legendary career was tragically cut short by her battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Diagnosed at the age of 59 in 2011, Summitt retired from coaching the following year, leaving behind an incredible record of 1,098-208. She passed away on June 28, 2016, at the age of 63.

To keep her memory alive, the SEC dedicates a week each year to honor Summitt’s contributions to women’s basketball and raise awareness for Alzheimer’s. The initiative, aptly named "We Back Pat," recognizes the foundation Summitt laid for coaches like Staley and celebrates her pivotal role in advancing the sport. Reflecting on the significance of this tribute, Staley said:

"It’s only right. Pat Summitt has been the standard in our game."

During this year’s We Back Pat week, Staley and the No. 2-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks (17-1, 5-0 SEC) faced No. 13 Oklahoma at Colonial Life Arena.

Dawn Staley’s historic rise in coaching

Dawn Staley signed a lucrative contract extension with South Carolina, making her the highest-paid coach in NCAA women’s basketball. The agreement, worth $25.25 million, ensures her tenure through the 2029-30 season and includes a $4 million annual salary, a $500,000 signing bonus, and a $250,000 annual escalator.

Staley’s success is a testament to her transformative leadership since taking over the South Carolina program in 2008. A Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and a four-time Olympic gold medalist, Staley has cemented her place as one of the greatest figures in women’s basketball.

Under her guidance, the Gamecocks have made six Final Four appearances, including in each of the last four seasons, and have won three national championships. Staley has also led her team to eight SEC regular-season and tournament titles, earning Naismith Coach of the Year honors four times. This season, the Gamecocks have a 17-1 overall record and remain undefeated in conference play, further solidifying their dominance.

When Staley transitioned to coaching, she faced Summitt as an opponent eight times between 2008 and 2012. During this period, Tennessee won seven of those matchups, with South Carolina securing their only win on February 2, 2012.