Breaking: Gamecocks Coach Dawn Staley Brings in WNBA Legend Lisa Leslie to Develop South Carolina’s Frontcourt
By Sports Insider News Desk | April 4, 2025 | Columbia, SC
In a groundbreaking move that solidifies the University of South Carolina’s place as the premier destination for women’s college basketball, Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley has announced the addition of WNBA legend Lisa Leslie to her coaching staff.
Leslie, a three-time WNBA MVP, four-time Olympic gold medalist, and Hall of Famer, will take on the role of Special Advisor for Post Development, focusing on the continued growth and dominance of South Carolina’s frontcourt players.
This announcement has sent shockwaves across the college basketball landscape and is already being hailed as one of the most strategic and high-impact coaching additions in recent NCAA history.
A Visionary Pairing: Staley and Leslie
In the world of women’s basketball, few names command the level of respect, reverence, and legacy that Dawn Staley and Lisa Leslie bring to the table. Staley, who has led the Gamecocks to two national championships, multiple Final Four appearances, and numerous SEC titles, has built South Carolina into a juggernaut. Her leadership, passion for the game, and commitment to excellence have earned her the title of one of the most influential figures in the sport today.
Now, she’s joining forces with Leslie, one of the most iconic players in women’s basketball history.
“Lisa is the epitome of greatness, both on and off the court,” Staley said during the official announcement held at Colonial Life Arena. “She’s dominated at every level, and she knows what it takes to compete, to lead, and to inspire. Her presence is going to change everything for our frontcourt.”
Leslie’s duties will include hands-on training with post players, film study sessions, game preparation, and mentoring off the court. Her goal: to take an already elite frontcourt and turn it into the most formidable unit in college basketball.
Leslie Speaks: “I’m Honored to Join Dawn”
At the press conference, Leslie shared her enthusiasm for the new chapter.
“I’m honored to join Dawn and her incredible program,” Leslie said. “South Carolina has set the standard in women’s college basketball, and I’m excited to help these young players reach their full potential both on and off the court. I’ve watched from afar what Dawn has built—now I get to be part of that journey.”
The move brings Leslie full circle. A trailblazer in the game, she has long been an advocate for expanding opportunities for women in basketball, not just as players but also as coaches, executives, and decision-makers. Her new role at South Carolina isn’t just about Xs and Os—it’s about empowerment, legacy, and inspiring the next generation.
The Timing is Perfect
The timing of this partnership couldn’t be more ideal. The Gamecocks are coming off another deep tournament run, with a roster loaded with young talent, particularly in the post. With the departure of veteran leaders and the arrival of a new wave of highly recruited frontcourt players, Staley saw the opportunity to bring in a game-changer who could accelerate development and infuse championship-level experience.
Among the players set to benefit immediately are sophomore standout Amiyah Williams, freshman phenom Jordan Bishop, and returning junior Zaria Fields, all of whom play key roles in the paint.
“It’s crazy to think I’m going to be coached by Lisa Leslie,” said Williams, a 6-foot-5 forward who averaged 12.3 points and 8.9 rebounds last season. “I grew up watching her highlights. Now I get to learn from her every day. This is a dream come true.”
Leslie’s Unmatched Resume
Few resumes in the history of the sport can rival what Lisa Leslie brings to Columbia:
• 3× WNBA MVP (2001, 2004, 2006)
• 4× Olympic Gold Medalist (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008)
• 2× WNBA Champion (2001, 2002)
• 8× WNBA All-Star
• First woman to dunk in a WNBA game
• Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2015)
Leslie was more than just a dominant player—she was a cultural icon and a pioneer. She elevated the visibility of women’s basketball, opened doors for generations to come, and set a standard for professionalism and excellence. Now, she brings that same passion and commitment to South Carolina.
South Carolina’s Continued Rise
The Gamecocks’ rise under Staley has been nothing short of remarkable. Since taking the reins in 2008, she has turned a once-middling program into a powerhouse, known for its aggressive defense, athleticism, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Over the past decade, the Gamecocks have:
• Won 2 NCAA Championships (2017, 2022)
• Reached 5 Final Fours
• Claimed 8 SEC titles
• Produced multiple WNBA lottery picks, including A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and Zia Cooke
With the addition of Leslie, South Carolina continues to distinguish itself as a program that not only recruits and develops top-tier talent but also offers resources and mentorship from the best in the game.
“We’re not just building players,” Staley emphasized. “We’re building professionals, leaders, and game-changers. Lisa is the perfect person to help us do that.”
A Bigger Mission
While winning remains the primary goal, both Staley and Leslie emphasized that this partnership goes beyond basketball. Their shared vision includes initiatives to empower female athletes, foster leadership skills, and promote diversity within the coaching pipeline.
Leslie will also lead special mentorship programs for South Carolina’s student-athletes, focusing on personal branding, financial literacy, and career development after basketball.
“Our job isn’t just to win games—it’s to prepare these young women for life,” Leslie said. “Basketball opens doors, but what you do with those opportunities is what defines your legacy.”
National Reaction
News of the hire spread quickly across social media and drew reactions from former players, media figures, and fans alike.
A’ja Wilson, former Gamecock and current WNBA MVP, tweeted:
“DAWN & LISA?! Game OVER. Frontcourt factory is about to go NUTS.”
Cheryl Miller, Hall of Famer and analyst, said:
“This is an elite move. Dawn knows how to keep raising the bar. Lisa’s basketball IQ and presence will elevate that entire team.”
Even NBA legend Magic Johnson weighed in, tweeting:
“Huge congratulations to Lisa Leslie and Coach Staley! Two legends working together to shape the future of women’s basketball.”
Looking Ahead
With spring workouts already underway, Leslie is expected to begin her role immediately. She will be a fixture at practices, team meetings, and on the sidelines during select games, offering her expertise and insight while supporting Staley and the existing staff.
Her influence is expected to be particularly impactful during the summer development phase and non-conference schedule, where young post players often see significant growth.
“This is about legacy,” Leslie said. “Dawn and I come from the same cloth—we compete hard, we expect greatness, and we care deeply about our players. We’re about to do something really special here.”
Conclusion: A New Era for the Gamecocks
South Carolina was already a national powerhouse. Now, with Lisa Leslie joining the staff, the Gamecocks have added a legendary presence whose impact will be felt far beyond the court. For fans of women’s basketball, this partnership is a dream—a merging of past greatness with the promise of an even brighter future.
Leslie’s arrival marks the start of a new era in Columbia, one defined by dominance in the paint, excellence in mentorship, and a relentless pursuit of championships.
“This is just the beginning,” Staley said with a confident smile. “We’ve got the vision. We’ve got the players. And now, we’ve got a legend on our side.”
The message is clear: If you’re a frontcourt player with dreams of greatness, there’s no better place in the country than South Carolina.
And with Dawn Staley and Lisa Leslie leading the charge, the Gamecocks are poised to soar higher than ever before.
Stay tuned for more exclusive updates, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content from Columbia as this historic partnership begins to reshape the landscape of women’s college basketball.
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