Congratulations: Staley named 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year semifinalist. Dawn Staley has a new nickname for South Carolina team before March Madness…. See more

South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley has been named a semifinalist for the 2025 Werner Ladder Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year award, marking her fourth nomination for this prestigious honor. Staley is the only coach to have won this award four times, including the last three consecutive seasons.

In addition to this accolade, Coach Staley has introduced a new nickname for her team ahead of March Madness, aiming to inspire and unify the players as they enter the NCAA tournament. This move has generated excitement and positive reactions from fans and the basketball community.

As the Gamecocks prepare for the tournament, they are considered strong contenders to repeat their national championship success. Analysts predict that South Carolina’s combination of experienced leadership and talented players positions them well for a deep run in March Madness.

Coach Staley’s leadership continues to elevate the Gamecocks, fostering a culture of excellence and resilience. Her recent initiatives and the team’s strong performance reflect a commitment to maintaining their status as a dominant force in women’s college basketball.