Dawn Staley: runner-up, pioneer ... Legend

What she’s done at South Carolina has overshadowed everything that came before

Surely you know Dawn Staley as a legend: one of the most decorated, trailblazing coaches in recent college basketball history. But her path to the point wasn’t a sure thing, and there’s no other path quite like it. First of all, the diminutive Staley was one of the greatest college players ever, but she fell just short of winning a title during her standout seasons playing point guard for the University of Virginia. That (relative) failure might have haunted Staley forever if not for her immense success as a college coach.

But Staley’s transition from player to coach also deserves serious consideration: Not only was Staley a decorated pro and Olympian, but she also transitioned to coaching DURING her playing career! For real, there’s never been anyone quite like Dawn. Watch for more on how close Staley’s college teams came, how she might very well be the best player in Charlotte pro basketball history, and what exactly it looks like when you coach part of the year and play the other part.