South Carolina director of WBB performance Molly Binetti gives honest take on HC Dawn Staley's work ethic: "I swear that woman never sleeps"

Molly Binetti, South Carolina's performance director, has high praise for Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley. In an interview with The Athletic, Binetti spoke about Staley's work ethic and how that has become a culture with the team.

“I give her a ton of credit because I swear that woman never sleeps, and she comes in and she works hard," Binetti said. "She’s had some knee surgeries behind her so I know some things just don’t feel good, but you don’t hear her complain. She works.”

Binetti also revealed a unique game-day tradition that involves the crew coming together for their workout sessions, inspired by the Gamecocks coach.

It all began on Nov. 16, when Molly Binetti asked Dawn Staley if she could join her for her 10 a.m. workout session. Little did both know that it would turn into a game-day tradition. The Gamecocks went on to defeat Clemson 109-40.

“It’s just another way that the culture of our program is reflected," Binetti said. "I think you see that in how we carry ourselves and the success that we’ve had and how coach Staley runs our program. This is kind of an extension of that.”

Dawn Staley eyes third title

Last season, Staley's squad fell to Iowa in the semifinals, failing to repeat as champions. Staley has since reloaded the team after losing five starters, including No. 1 draft pick Aliyah Boston.

"This whole season has been learning lessons through winning," Staley said at the SEC Tournament, where South Carolina won its eighth title. "We won a lot of basketball games, but there were a lot of things that we need to work on. This team has responded time in and time out."

The South Carolina Gamecocks stand undefeated as the top seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament as they look to bag another national championship. The Gamecocks are set to meet Indiana this weekend in the Sweet 16 at MVP Arena in Albany, New York.