South Carolina HC Dawn Staley awestruck over meeting former POTUS Barack Obama during USAB showcase game

Dawn Staley had a big moment on Tuesday at the USA Basketball 50th anniversary reception in Las Vegas. The highlight of the evening for the South Carolina women's basketball coach was meeting former President Barack Obama.

Staley, along with a host of basketball legends, was there to watch the game between Team USA and Team Canada. The 54-year-old coach had a funny moment as she tried figuring out how to take a selfie with the former POTUS.

In a heartwarming video posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), the Gamecocks coach hugged the former two-time president. Obama told Staley, "I'm so proud of you," to which she replied, "I'm proud of you." Staley later captioned her post:

"If he isn’t the coolest man on earth ….. @BarackObama thank you for your inspiration and leadership still. Now please let us borrow @MichelleObama for just 4 short years! First Gentleman is a good look for you!"

Obama, a known basketball aficionado, gave a 10-minute speech about the honor of representing the U.S.A. on the Olympic stage. Among the many at the event were basketball greats like Cheryl Miller, Sheryl Swoopes, and Nancy Lieberman, among others.

Former South Carolina athlete praises Dawn Staley

Former South Carolina athlete Mikiah Herbert Harrigan received a ‘job well done’ text from her ex-coach Dawn Staley after nailing a clutch three-pointer for the Phoenix Mercury. Harrigan’s play was set up by a perfect bounce pass from Brittney Griner. Harrigan spoke highly of her former coach Staley’s influence to AZ Family:

“She prepared me a lot,” Harrigan said. “One of her sayings that always stuck with me was, ‘Never get too high with the highs, or low with the lows.’ So I’ve always thought about that throughout and just being ready.”

Harrigan, a crucial piece in South Carolina’s first-ever championship run in 2017, is one of 10n Staley-coached players rocking in the WNBA. Harrigan’s defensive abilities knew no bounds under Staley who used her skills perfectly to an Elite Eight run in 2018 and three SEC championships.

The 25-year-old forward averaged 13.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game in her senior year. Harrigan shooting game was also on point with 43.5% success in shoots from beyond the arc.