SEC Commissioner Praises Dawn Staley's Dedication to South Carolina

Greg Sankey highlights Staley's commitment to building the Gamecocks into a powerhouse program.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey praised Dawn Staley's tenure as the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, highlighting her dedication to the program, fans, and community since taking over the job. Sankey noted that Staley didn't build the Gamecocks into a perennial powerhouse overnight, but has sustained the program's success over the years, leading them to five straight SEC regular season titles and multiple national championships.

Why it matters

Staley's success at South Carolina has cemented the program as one of the elite women's basketball teams in the country. Her commitment to the community and ability to sustain excellence over an extended period have earned her praise from the SEC commissioner, underscoring her impact on the sport.

The details

When Staley took over the South Carolina program in 2008, the Gamecocks were struggling, finishing her first season with a 10-18 record. However, Staley quickly turned the program around, leading them to the NCAA Tournament by her fourth season and compiling a 129-14 record from 2013-2017, including four straight No. 1 seeds. South Carolina has continued its dominance under Staley, winning two more national championships and making five straight Final Four appearances.

  • Staley took over the South Carolina program in 2008.
  • In her first season in 2008-09, the Gamecocks finished 10-18.
  • By the 2011-12 season, South Carolina won 25 games for the first time since 2001.
  • From 2013-2017, South Carolina compiled a 129-14 record.
  • The Gamecocks won the national championship in the 2016-17 and 2023-24 seasons.

The players

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, who has built the program into a perennial powerhouse since taking over in 2008.

Greg Sankey

The commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), who praised Staley's dedication and commitment to the South Carolina program and community.

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What they’re saying

“Having been at a game in Dawn's early years, there's an understanding of where they are, but you can't forget where they came from as a program. She took that opportunity after having been at Temple, probably had a number of opportunities, and has made a commitment to that community, that state, and there's been a mutual embrace. The continuity is next, but you start where the program was to what she's attained — and then sustained — I think are the points of tribute and how she led so effectively.”

— Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner (on3.com)

The takeaway

Dawn Staley's commitment to building the South Carolina Gamecocks into a women's basketball powerhouse, even from humble beginnings, has earned her praise from SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. Staley's sustained success and dedication to the program and community have cemented her legacy as one of the top coaches in the sport.