Dawn Staley has been chosen to receive an honorary degree from Smith College, a prestigious women's college in Massachusetts. The announcement was made during Rally Day, a significant tradition at the institution.
Key points
Dawn Staley to receive honorary degree from Smith College
Announcement made during Rally Day tradition
Kristin Hughes is the athletic director at Smith College
Rally Day reveals honorary degree recipients
Smith College honors contributions to women's sports
Mentioned in this story
Dawn StaleySmith CollegeKristin HughesNorthampton, Massachusetts
Why Dawn Staley was perfect choice for Massachusetts women's college to honor
All Smith College athletic director Kristin Hughes was told was, "You might want to get your teams there."
At Rally Day, one of the Northampton, Massachusetts, women's college's oldest and most cherished traditions, the school reveals who's getting honorary degrees and speaking at commencement.
"We knew some good name was coming," Hughes said.
And when the audience heard the name Dawn Staley, a roar of applause echoed through the auditorium.
“Smith always tries to do a really thorough, thoughtful job picking people that would be inspirational and impactful for students to hear from. Certainly Dawn Staley’s name is a pretty easy one to make that list," Hughes said. "It wasn't only the basketball team that was excited, it was all of our teams and a lot of people that aren't student-athletes."
On May 17, Staley will be one of three "distinguished leaders" awarded a special degree from Smith College, a school with just under 3,000 students. The 2026 class will hear from Staley, sociologist Chizuko Ueno and educational consultant Carol Hillman.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Q&A
Why was Dawn Staley chosen for an honorary degree at Smith College?
Dawn Staley was selected for her significant contributions to women's sports and her inspirational leadership.
What is Rally Day at Smith College?
Rally Day is a long-standing tradition at Smith College where the school announces honorary degree recipients and commencement speakers.
Who is Kristin Hughes in relation to Smith College?
Kristin Hughes is the athletic director at Smith College, involved in organizing events like Rally Day.
What does receiving an honorary degree signify at Smith College?
Receiving an honorary degree at Smith College signifies recognition of an individual's outstanding achievements and contributions to society.
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Apr 3, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley argue at the end of a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs 78-52 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts against the Oklahoma Sooners during the fourth quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley waves to fans Monday, March 23, 2026, after the Gamecocks won in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.
Feb 22, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley smiles at her bench players against the Mississippi Rebels in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 22: Head coach Dawn Staley, right, of the South Carolina Gamecocks talks with Christine Williamson, left, Andraya Carter and Chiney Ogwumike before an NCAA women's basketball game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Colonial Life Arena on February 22, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Gamecocks head Coach Dawn Staley, LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball take on the South Carolina Gamecocks at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts in the first half against the Tennessee Lady Volunteers during their game at Colonial Life Arena on February 08, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 25: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks on in the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores during their game at Colonial Life Arena on January 25, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 18: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks signs autographs after the game against the Coppin State Eagles at Physical Education Complex on January 18, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Jan 11, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley hugs mascot Cocky before their game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first half of an NCAA women’s basketball game against Florida at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, January 4, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 1: Head Coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks communicates with an official during the second quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Colonial Life Arena on January 1, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
USC basketball coach Dawn Staley talks to one of her players. The Florida Gulf Coast University women’s basketball team faced off against visiting University of South Carolina on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Alico Arena. The lady Eagles were outmatched and lost the game with a final score of 105-43. The USC women’s basketball team is currently ranked #3 in the AP Top 25 NCAA rankings.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts against the USC Trojans during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on November 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 30: Head coach Dawn Staley and Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrate their 91-82 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels during The Bad Boy Mowers Series between the North Carolina Tar Heels and South Carolina Gamecocks at State Farm Arena on October 30, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Apr 6, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley hugs guard Raven Johnson (25) during the second half of the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Mar 23, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley waves to the crowd following their win against the Indiana Hoosiers at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley cuts the net down after the win over Texas in the SEC women’s championship at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley hoists the SEC Championship Trophy after her team's win over Texas during the SEC Women’s Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks communicates with an official during the second quarter an NCAA women's basketball game against the UConn Huskies at Colonial Life Arena on February 16, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. The UConn Huskies won 87-58. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts to the referee's decision in the first half as the Texas Longhorns take on the South Carolina Gamecocks at the Moody Center, Feb. 9, 2025. Texas won the game 66-62.
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 02: Former South Carolina Gamecocks player A'ja Wilson hugs head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks before her jersey retirement ceremony before the game against the Auburn Tigers at Colonial Life Arena on February 02, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 12: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks communicates with players during the fourth quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game against Texas Longhorns at Colonial Life Arena on January 12, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. The South Carolina Gamecocks won 67-50. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Dec 19, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts to a play during the second quarter of a Fort Myers Tip-Off Island Division game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla., on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley waves to fans after the game with Clemson at Littlejohn Coliseum Wednesday, November 20, 2024; Clemson, SC, USA.
Dawn Staley, left, picked South Carolina and Lee Corso picked LSU during the ESPN Gameday show before kickoff at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Saturday, September 14, 2024.
US President Joe Biden shakes hands with Coach Dawn Staley during an event to celebrate the University of South Carolina women's basketball team for their 2023-2024 championship season, in the East Room of the White House on September 10, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew ANGERER / AFP) (Photo by DREW ANGERER/AFP via Getty Images)
Aug 9, 2024; Paris, France; Dawn Staley talking to Kevin Durant during a women's basketball semifinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2024; Paris, France; Dawn Staley attends gymnastics during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Bercy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the trophy presentation after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley cuts the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the trophy presentation after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley and guard Bree Hall (23) celebrate after defeating the NC State Wolfpack in the semifinals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, cutting down the net after a victory in the Elite Eight, will coach the Gamecocks in another Final Four.
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley celebrates with the team after the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Sunday, March 10, 2024.
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley cuts down the net after her team beat LSU for the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Sunday, March 10, 2024.
Mar 3, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the Tennessee Lady Vols in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Dawn Staley, Head coach of the University of South Carolina basketball team, hugs Gamecocks signee Joyce Edwards of Camden High, after they won 44-22 against Wren High in the 2024 South Carolina High School 3A Basketball Championship game at the Florence Center in Florence, S.C. Saturday, March 2, 2024.
Feb 22, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley speaks to the crowd after clinching a share of the SEC regular season title after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley disputes a call against the UConn Huskies in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2022; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; Darlington Raceway president Kerry Tharp poses with University of South Carolina womens basketball coach Dawn Staley after giving her a plaque for her role as Honorary Pace Car Driver prior to the COOK OUT Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley cuts down the net after beating Maryland in the NCAA Women's Elite Eight Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Monday, March 27, 2023.
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley pumps her fist after one of her players scores against Maryland during the fourth quarter of the Elite Eight NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Monday, March 27, 2023.
Mar 19, 2023; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the South Florida Bulls in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2023; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley dances before their game against the Norfolk State Spartans in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball tournament at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the Auburn Tigers in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2022; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks womenÕs basketball head coach Dawn Staley speaks to fans during their championship parade. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley cuts down the net as she celebrates the Gamecocks' victory over UConn for the national title.
Mar 8, 2020; Greenville, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley celebrates after defeating the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the SEC Conference Championship at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina forward A'ja Wilson (22) picks up South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley after winning the during 2018 SEC Women’s Basketball Championship at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Sunday, March 4, 2018.
Dawn Staley after winning the 2017 Women's Final Four championships
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley high fives the South Carolina band after the Gamecocks 81-48 1st round NCAA Tournament win over Savannah State Friday, March 20, 2015 at Carolina's Colonial Life Arena.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, left, and assistant coach Lisa Boyer celebrate the Gamecocks 67-65 win over North Carolina in the 3rd round of the NCAA Women's Tournament Friday, March 27, 2015 at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C.
Dawn Staley helped Virginia to three Final Fours and was a two-time national player of the year from 1989-92.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Apr 3, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley argue at the end of a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs 78-52 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts against the Oklahoma Sooners during the fourth quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley waves to fans Monday, March 23, 2026, after the Gamecocks won in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Feb 22, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley smiles at her bench players against the Mississippi Rebels in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 22: Head coach Dawn Staley, right, of the South Carolina Gamecocks talks with Christine Williamson, left, Andraya Carter and Chiney Ogwumike before an NCAA women's basketball game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Colonial Life Arena on February 22, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Gamecocks head Coach Dawn Staley, LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball take on the South Carolina Gamecocks at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts in the first half against the Tennessee Lady Volunteers during their game at Colonial Life Arena on February 08, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 25: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks on in the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores during their game at Colonial Life Arena on January 25, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 18: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks signs autographs after the game against the Coppin State Eagles at Physical Education Complex on January 18, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Jan 11, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley hugs mascot Cocky before their game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first half of an NCAA women’s basketball game against Florida at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, January 4, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 1: Head Coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks communicates with an official during the second quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Colonial Life Arena on January 1, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
USC basketball coach Dawn Staley talks to one of her players. The Florida Gulf Coast University women’s basketball team faced off against visiting University of South Carolina on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Alico Arena. The lady Eagles were outmatched and lost the game with a final score of 105-43. The USC women’s basketball team is currently ranked #3 in the AP Top 25 NCAA rankings.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts against the USC Trojans during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on November 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 30: Head coach Dawn Staley and Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrate their 91-82 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels during The Bad Boy Mowers Series between the North Carolina Tar Heels and South Carolina Gamecocks at State Farm Arena on October 30, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Apr 6, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley hugs guard Raven Johnson (25) during the second half of the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Mar 23, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley waves to the crowd following their win against the Indiana Hoosiers at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley cuts the net down after the win over Texas in the SEC women’s championship at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley hoists the SEC Championship Trophy after her team's win over Texas during the SEC Women’s Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks communicates with an official during the second quarter an NCAA women's basketball game against the UConn Huskies at Colonial Life Arena on February 16, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. The UConn Huskies won 87-58. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts to the referee's decision in the first half as the Texas Longhorns take on the South Carolina Gamecocks at the Moody Center, Feb. 9, 2025. Texas won the game 66-62.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 02: Former South Carolina Gamecocks player A'ja Wilson hugs head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks before her jersey retirement ceremony before the game against the Auburn Tigers at Colonial Life Arena on February 02, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 12: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks communicates with players during the fourth quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game against Texas Longhorns at Colonial Life Arena on January 12, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. The South Carolina Gamecocks won 67-50. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Dec 19, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts to a play during the second quarter of a Fort Myers Tip-Off Island Division game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla., on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley waves to fans after the game with Clemson at Littlejohn Coliseum Wednesday, November 20, 2024; Clemson, SC, USA.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Dawn Staley, left, picked South Carolina and Lee Corso picked LSU during the ESPN Gameday show before kickoff at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Saturday, September 14, 2024.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
US President Joe Biden shakes hands with Coach Dawn Staley during an event to celebrate the University of South Carolina women's basketball team for their 2023-2024 championship season, in the East Room of the White House on September 10, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew ANGERER / AFP) (Photo by DREW ANGERER/AFP via Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Aug 9, 2024; Paris, France; Dawn Staley talking to Kevin Durant during a women's basketball semifinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Jul 27, 2024; Paris, France; Dawn Staley attends gymnastics during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Bercy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the trophy presentation after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley cuts the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the trophy presentation after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Apr 5, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley and guard Bree Hall (23) celebrate after defeating the NC State Wolfpack in the semifinals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, cutting down the net after a victory in the Elite Eight, will coach the Gamecocks in another Final Four.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley celebrates with the team after the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Sunday, March 10, 2024.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley cuts down the net after her team beat LSU for the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Sunday, March 10, 2024.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Mar 3, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the Tennessee Lady Vols in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Dawn Staley, Head coach of the University of South Carolina basketball team, hugs Gamecocks signee Joyce Edwards of Camden High, after they won 44-22 against Wren High in the 2024 South Carolina High School 3A Basketball Championship game at the Florence Center in Florence, S.C. Saturday, March 2, 2024.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Feb 22, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley speaks to the crowd after clinching a share of the SEC regular season title after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Feb 11, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley disputes a call against the UConn Huskies in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Jan 15, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Sep 4, 2022; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; Darlington Raceway president Kerry Tharp poses with University of South Carolina womens basketball coach Dawn Staley after giving her a plaque for her role as Honorary Pace Car Driver prior to the COOK OUT Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley cuts down the net after beating Maryland in the NCAA Women's Elite Eight Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Monday, March 27, 2023.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley pumps her fist after one of her players scores against Maryland during the fourth quarter of the Elite Eight NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Monday, March 27, 2023.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Mar 19, 2023; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the South Florida Bulls in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Mar 17, 2023; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley dances before their game against the Norfolk State Spartans in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball tournament at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Jan 5, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the Auburn Tigers in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Apr 13, 2022; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks womenÕs basketball head coach Dawn Staley speaks to fans during their championship parade. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley cuts down the net as she celebrates the Gamecocks' victory over UConn for the national title.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Mar 8, 2020; Greenville, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley celebrates after defeating the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the SEC Conference Championship at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
South Carolina forward A'ja Wilson (22) picks up South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley after winning the during 2018 SEC Women’s Basketball Championship at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Sunday, March 4, 2018.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Dawn Staley after winning the 2017 Women's Final Four championships
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley high fives the South Carolina band after the Gamecocks 81-48 1st round NCAA Tournament win over Savannah State Friday, March 20, 2015 at Carolina's Colonial Life Arena.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, left, and assistant coach Lisa Boyer celebrate the Gamecocks 67-65 win over North Carolina in the 3rd round of the NCAA Women's Tournament Friday, March 27, 2015 at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C.
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Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach with 3 NCAA titles in 18th season
Dawn Staley helped Virginia to three Final Fours and was a two-time national player of the year from 1989-92.
Staley is at the height of her South Carolina women's basketball coaching career but collected accolades for decades prior. Before winning three national championships and becoming the highest-paid women's college basketball coach, she shined as a point guard at Virginia, then won three Olympic gold medals and played in the WNBA.
“She's an unbelievable competitor ... she wins on the biggest of stages, shows up in the biggest of moments. I could stop the conversation right there and say, ''That's enough,'" Hughes said. "She now has the kind of reach that crosses genders. She has the respect, the admiration, the fandom from men and women. It's not just about basketball anymore."
Staley's made it her mission to "grow the game," whether that means gifting perfume samples to her opponents during March Madness or celebrating an opposing coach.
The news broke in late February, less than 24 hours after Staley won her 10th SEC regular-season title.
"It's cool," Staley said of the honor. "It's an all-female school that represents higher education. If any young people see it and feel like they're impacted by that and want to go to a higher education institution so be it but I think it's really cool."
Dawn Staley heading to birthplace of women's basketball
Without Smith College, there's no telling what Staley's career path would be.
James Naismith invented basketball in 1891 in Springfield, roughly 20 minutes from Northampton. Two years later, Senda Berenson Abbott, Smith's director of physical education, adapted the men's game for women.
On March 22, 1893, the first women's college basketball game was played, right on Smith's campus.
“We are unapologetically proud of being the birthplace of women's basketball," Hughes said.
In February, Smith became the first basketball team to win six straight NEWMAC Championships. The Pioneers went to back-to-back DIII NCAA Tournament championships in 2024 and 2025.
"Anyone who has been in the game long enough and has the level of respect for the game that we really all should have, understands the gift it is to be giving back to the game that's given you so much," Hughes said. "I think Dawn does that all the time.”
Northampton excited for Dawn Staley honor, arrival
Staley draws crowds and often can't leave an event without a sea of hands sticking out items for her to sign. Her influence stretches far beyond South Carolina and now Smith College is just the latest recipient of her willingness to connect.
"We all collectively freaked out because she's such an icon, it was really cool to see her (name) on the screen," said Maeve Huit, a defender on the Smith field hockey team. "Her message has carried all over the world ... genuinely everybody is so excited to hear what she's going to say."
Sharon Deal, a middle school special education teacher in Northampton, has never been to South Carolina. After admiring her college game from afar, Deal found many of Staley's coaching philosophies applicable to her teaching career, helping morph her into a full-on Gamecocks women's basketball fan.
"She meets each player where they are, draws on their strengths, and guides them to be better players and more importantly, better human beings." Deal said.
But over recent years, Staley's commitment to cancer research and advocacy has meant the most to Deal.
"As a cancer survivor currently recovering from my second surgery to repair a necrotic femur, Staley’s advocacy for research and young people struggling with the disease means the world to me," Deal said. "Her commitment to the cause is truly uplifting as I navigate my own 'new normal' and focus on my recovery."
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky@bylulukesin.bsky.social