ESPN REPORT: Dawn Staley Voted Greatest College Women’s Basketball Player of All Time — Surpassing Lynette Woodard of Kentucky
In a groundbreaking moment for women’s basketball, ESPN has named Dawn Staley the Greatest College Women’s Basketball Player of All Time following an extensive fan vote and expert panel review. The announcement, made during ESPN’s “Legends of the Game” documentary premiere, sent waves through the basketball world — not just for what it says about Staley’s legacy, but for what it means for the game itself.
A three-time Kodak All-American, Olympic gold medalist, and the face of the Virginia Cavaliers during the early ’90s, Dawn Staley’s collegiate career set the gold standard for greatness. Yet her influence has only grown since her playing days, with her coaching career at South Carolina redefining what’s possible in women’s sports.
The vote saw Staley edge out Kentucky’s Lynette Woodard, Tennessee’s Tamika Catchings, UConn legend Breanna Stewart, and Stanford’s Candice Wiggins, among other all-time greats. Woodard, the trailblazing former Kansas (not Kentucky) star and the first female Harlem Globetrotter, had long been viewed as the GOAT by traditional standards. But the final vote tally made it clear: Dawn Staley’s total body of work — as both player and ambassador — has become untouchable.
The Vote That Made History
The ESPN poll, titled “Who Is the Greatest Women’s College Basketball Player Ever?”, garnered over 1.2 million votes from fans, players, analysts, and coaches across the country. A panel of 30 basketball experts then analyzed statistics, impact, accolades, and intangibles to determine the final rankings.
When the final rankings were unveiled, the result shocked some and validated many:
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Dawn Staley (Virginia)
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Lynette Woodard (Kansas)
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Breanna Stewart (UConn)
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Cheryl Miller (USC)
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Tamika Catchings (Tennessee)
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Maya Moore (UConn)
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Sheryl Swoopes (Texas Tech)
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Seimone Augustus (LSU)
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Kelsey Plum (Washington)
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Candace Parker (Tennessee)
“I don’t even know what to say,” said an emotional Staley in an ESPN interview. “To be mentioned in the same breath as legends like Lynette, Cheryl, Stewie, and Catch? That’s everything. But this isn’t just for me — it’s for everyone who believed in women’s basketball when the world wasn’t watching.”
Staley’s Legendary College Career at Virginia
Before she was a Hall of Fame coach or Olympic flag bearer, Dawn Staley was the heartbeat of the University of Virginia basketball program. From 1989 to 1992, she captivated fans with her dazzling passes, unshakable poise, and unmatched competitive fire.
Over her four years in Charlottesville, Staley:
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Averaged 16.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game
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Led the Cavaliers to three Final Fours and a national championship game appearance in 1991
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Was named the ACC Player of the Year twice (1991, 1992)
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Finished her career as Virginia’s all-time leader in steals (454) and assists (729)
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Was awarded the Honda Sports Award for basketball in 1991
More than the numbers, though, it was Staley’s leadership and emotional gravity that elevated the Cavaliers. Teammates revered her. Opponents feared her. Fans adored her.
“She was magic,” said Debbie Antonelli, ESPN analyst and former ACC player. “She could control the entire game without even taking a shot. And when she needed to take over, she did it with precision. You can’t teach that. That’s greatness.”
The Case for Staley Over Woodard
For decades, Lynette Woodard was seen as the unassailable figure atop women’s college basketball lore. The Kansas legend was a two-time All-American, scored over 3,600 points, and starred long before women’s college basketball was televised nationally. She broke ground, broke records, and broke barriers.
So how did Staley surpass her?
Timing and impact.
While Woodard laid the foundation, Staley built a multi-generational empire. She bridged the eras — from old school to new age — and played a central role in the sport’s evolution, from visibility and professionalism to global influence and coaching equity.
“She didn’t just have a great playing career — she changed the game after it,” said ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo, who finished No. 13 in the rankings. “There’s no one else in the top five who has impacted the sport from every angle the way Dawn has.”
The Coaching Career That Cemented Her Legacy
Though the ESPN ranking was based on collegiate playing careers, panelists acknowledged the historic ripple effects of Staley’s coaching achievements in the voting criteria. And rightly so.
At South Carolina, Staley has become the face of modern women’s college basketball:
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3 NCAA Championships (2017, 2022, 2024)
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6 SEC Championships
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A program record of multiple 30-win seasons
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Development of dozens of WNBA and international pros
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Multiple National Coach of the Year honors
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A brand that commands sellouts, record TV ratings, and viral moments
In 2024, her Gamecocks completed an undefeated season, further elevating her status as a generational leader. But she doesn’t just coach wins — she cultivates character.
“She builds people, not just players,” said former Gamecock star and WNBA No. 1 pick Aliyah Boston. “I would follow her into anything.”
A Cultural Icon and Advocate
Staley’s impact has transcended sports. She’s been a voice for racial justice, gender equity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and educational access. In 2021, she became the first Black coach to win multiple national championships in Division I basketball history — men’s or women’s. That same year, she signed a $22.4 million contract extension, making her one of the highest-paid coaches in the sport, regardless of gender.
She also carried the American flag at the 2004 Olympics and led Team USA to gold as head coach in the 2020 Tokyo Games.
“Dawn isn’t just part of history,” said South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner. “She’s shaping it.”
The Fan Response: Overwhelming Support
Social media exploded in celebration after the ESPN announcement. The hashtag #StaleyGOAT trended for over 12 hours on X, and video tributes from NBA stars like LeBron James and Steph Curry poured in.
