Dawn Staley rarely misses, and it’s mind-boggling.
After a brutal loss to Iowa in the NCAA tournament, the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team lost all five starters to the WNBA. At the beginning of the 2023-2024 season, the program was ranked No. 6 in the AP national poll.
After scoring at least 100 points against top-25 ranked opponents Notre Dame and Maryland, South Carolina jumped to No.1 in the country, back like they never left.
It was already awe-inspiring to seemingly not miss a beat, but head coach Dawn Staley raised the bar higher. On Wednesday, the No. 2 recruit in the class of 2024, Joyce Edwards, committed to South Carolina over reigning national champions LSU and in-state rival Clemson.
The best in South Carolina stay home – @JoyceEdwards24https://t.co/3YXJfi43rs pic.twitter.com/yA2EKeOPzT
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) November 15, 2023
Edwards wasn’t expected to commit until April, but the choice became clearer after talking with Staley and Las Vegas Aces star and South Carolina alum A’ja Wilson.
“The difference was the coach,” said Edwards confidently.
"The difference was the coach."
Awesome scene at @Camden_Bulldogs today
A life-changing decision for @JoyceEdwards24 followed by the love and support from an entire community@GamecockWBB fans, you got a good one@wachfox pic.twitter.com/sfII3eELSG
— amanda (@amanda_1815) November 16, 2023
Edwards’ decision reflects Staley’s commitment to developing her players and pursuing greatness. Despite South Carolina not having Edwards’ intended major — environmental engineering — Staley worked behind the scenes to make sure Edwards could still pursue her dreams through the school’s honors program.
That is a dedication to your craft personified.
It’s why Staley has declined to leave the college ranks for other coaching opportunities. It’s also why Staley has signed six of the state of Carolina’s top-35 prospects since 2014.
But making history is her thing. It’s what she does.
She’s very intentional, and the players who decide to join her never forget that.
