Long before becoming the coach of the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team, Dawn Staley had already established herself as a dynamic leader in women’s sports, writes Liz Robbins for The New York Times. 

As a player, she helped the United States win three Olympic gold medals as the team’s starting point guard, and one as a coach.

More recently, she just led South Carolina to its second consecutive undefeated regular season.

As she reflects on her leadership style and how she guides young people, Staley pinpoints two qualities she learned from her mother: honesty and discipline.

She, however, has also always been consistent with who she is, particularly when it comes to advocating for women’s sports.

As a basketball coach, Staley feels she has a responsibility to each of her players.

A parent of one of her former players once told her upon a visit to South Carolina, “I give you my child.”

That quote stuck with her ever since.

“It’s the very thing that guides me, that allows me to have the stamina, that allows me to meet young people where they are and try to take them where they want to go,” said Staley.

Read more about what makes Dawn Staley such a dynamic leader at The New York Times. 

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