Dawn Staley gets brutally honest on her grind to become a basketball legend

Ever since she decided to give it a try at a coaching career, Dawn Staley hasn’t stopped collecting victories, awards, and championships. She’s become one of the most successful coaches in women’s basketball after 24 years and doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. 

The three-time national champion wasn’t convinced this was her path until she was offered the chance to coach Temple, where she posted a 172-80 record before signing with the South Carolina Gamecocks in a match made in heaven. 

On Monday, the coach shared an excerpt of her New York Times bestselling audiobook, “Uncommon Favor,” to celebrate spending another week on the best-selling list. 

Dawn Staley says she was made for baskebtall

The audio clip explained the deep connection between Staley and basketball, as she explains how important it was not only for her as a hobby, but as a way of living.

Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina

“I was made for basketball,” Staley said. “I knew from the moment I was old enough to run. I can’t recall a time when I couldn’t. I never cheated on it. I never took it for granted. I didn’t care what anybody else was doing, not then, not now. When I think back on my childhood, the movie in my head is always basketball. How it drove me every day, running the court, passing, shooting, charging, blocking and jumping.”

Following a painful 82-59 loss in the 2025 national championship game against the UConn Huskies, Dawn Staley is out for revenge. She had to face a stacked team with Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Co. in the final game, standing no chances against Geno Auriemma’s team. 

With Bueckers in the WNBA and new recruits making their way to South Carolina, Staley could be back in the big game.