South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley spoke to the Carolina Panthers on Friday, sharing her experience and perspective on building a championship culture. Staley addressed players and coaches during a team meeting at the Panthers’ facility in Charlotte.
Staley has been recognized for her achievements both as a player and a coach. She is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. As head coach at South Carolina, she led her team to three national championships in 2017, 2022, and 2024. Her coaching accolades include four national coach of the year awards. During her playing career, Staley won three Olympic gold medals, was named to six WNBA All-Star teams while playing for the Charlotte Sting, and received two national player of the year honors at Virginia.
Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn commented on Staley’s impact: “That was special,” Horn said. “She created a powerhouse at South Carolina, just the culture they created and how serious they were.” Horn noted that his girlfriend Brea Beal played for South Carolina’s 2022 championship team: “I’ve heard my girlfriend talk about it, just the standard she talked about that she held them to,” he said. “It’s contagious, and I feel like that’s why they’re so dominant as a program.”
During her visit with the Panthers, Staley received an autographed jersey from quarterback Bryce Young and participated in shooting baskets on an indoor hoop used by players for friendly competitions.
“Yeah, she’s got some swag to her for sure,” Horn added.
