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Dawn Staley Offers Advice to Lady Vols Coach Kim Caldwell
South Carolina coach shares wisdom from her own experience building an SEC program.
Feb. 8, 2026 at 8:55pm
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Dawn Staley, the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, offered advice to her counterpart Kim Caldwell of the Tennessee Lady Vols. Staley, who took over the Gamecocks program at age 38, shared insights from her own experience of building an SEC powerhouse, emphasizing the importance of patience and perseverance when taking on the challenge of reviving a struggling program.
Why it matters
Staley's advice is valuable for Caldwell, who is in the early stages of her tenure as the Lady Vols head coach. As a respected veteran coach who has transformed South Carolina into an SEC and national contender, Staley's perspective can provide important guidance for Caldwell as she works to restore the Lady Vols to their former glory.
The details
Staley stressed that rebuilding a program takes time and that Caldwell should not get discouraged by early setbacks. "There are going to be players that'll just quit on you," Staley said, drawing on her own experiences. "But you have to stay the course and believe in what you're doing." Staley also emphasized the importance of recruiting the right players who buy into the program's vision and culture.
- Staley took over the South Carolina Gamecocks program in 2008 at the age of 38.
The players
Dawn Staley
The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, who has built the program into an SEC and national powerhouse.
Kim Caldwell
The current head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols women's basketball team, who is working to revive the program's fortunes.
What they’re saying
“There are going to be players that'll just quit on you, but you have to stay the course and believe in what you're doing.”
— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks
The takeaway
Staley's advice to Caldwell underscores the importance of patience, perseverance, and building the right team culture when taking on the challenge of reviving a struggling program. Her insights can provide valuable guidance for Caldwell as she works to restore the Lady Vols to their former prominence in the SEC and on the national stage.
