News Summary
Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, has signed a record contract extension that makes her the highest-paid coach in women’s basketball history. The new deal keeps her at the university through the 2029-30 season, with a starting salary of $4 million set to increase over the years. Additionally, a statue honoring Staley will be unveiled to celebrate her contributions to the sport and her advocacy work, demonstrating her significant impact both on and off the court.
South Carolina – Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, has signed a record-setting contract extension that will keep her with the University of South Carolina through the 2029-30 season. This agreement establishes her as the highest-paid coach in the history of women’s basketball.
Under the new contract, Staley’s salary will start at $4 million in the 2023-24 season and increase by $250,000 each subsequent season. By the end of the deal, her base salary will reach $5.25 million, and the total value of the contract, including bonuses, could potentially exceed $25.25 million. This extension is seen as a significant commitment to Staley, who has transformed the Gamecocks into a powerhouse in women’s collegiate basketball.
Jeremiah Donati, the athletic director at the University of South Carolina, commended Staley, describing her as a “once-in-a-generation coach.” Staley, who has been at the helm of the Gamecocks since 2008, has a remarkable career record of 457 wins against just 107 losses. Her coaching tenure has been marked by an impressive tally of achievements, including three National Championships and eight Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships, alongside five National Coach of the Year awards.
In conjunction with the new contract, a statue honoring Staley will be unveiled on April 30 at 4:00 p.m. The statue will be situated at the intersection of Senate Street and Lincoln Street, close to the University of South Carolina Pastides Alumni Center. This unveiling is a collaborative effort between the City of Columbia and the Statues for Equality initiative, celebrating Staley’s immense contributions both on and off the court.
The statue project, which has a budget of $140,000, was developed with the involvement of local community partners. Staley specifically requested that the statue not be placed at the Colonial Life Arena, emphasizing that she wanted her players to achieve that honor first. The statue, which was transported to Columbia in August 2024, represents her legacy as a groundbreaking figure in the sport and her advocacy for social justice and gender equity.
Staley’s impact goes beyond basketball. As the first Black coach in NCAA Division I basketball history (men’s or women’s) to secure three national championships, she has paved the way for future generations of athletes and coaches. Before her coaching career, Staley was an illustrious player, securing three Olympic gold medals and being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
Throughout her career, Staley has consistently championed community empowerment and advocated for gender equity within sports. The statue honoring her will not only signify her achievements as a coach but also highlight her influence as a leader and advocate. It embodies excellence and resilience for the South Carolina community and serves as an inspirational symbol for those who aspire to achieve greatness in sports and beyond.
With her groundbreaking contract extension and the upcoming statue unveiling, Staley’s legacy is poised to have a lasting impact on college basketball and the broader community. The recognition of her achievements underscores the transformative role that sports can play in promoting diversity, equality, and empowerment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- WACH: Dawn Staley’s Legacy Immortalized
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