A Journey Rooted in North Philadelphia
Dawn Staley, the esteemed head coach of the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team, has released her debut memoir titled Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three. Published on May 20, 2025, by Atria/Black Privilege Publishing, the book offers an intimate look into Staley’s journey from the streets of North Philadelphia to becoming a basketball icon and influential leader.
Staley’s memoir begins with her upbringing in the Raymond Rosen Housing Projects of North Philadelphia. She reflects on the challenges and resilience that defined her early years, emphasizing the strong community bonds and the pivotal role her mother played in shaping her character. Staley shares, “I grew up in the projects. And if you weren’t from my neighborhood, you would probably think it’s probably the worst place to raise children, whereas if you were from the neighborhood, you felt like you needed and wanted nothing” Basketball: A Lifelong Passion
Discovering basketball became a transformative experience for Staley. As the youngest of five siblings, she found her voice and identity on the court. “When I picked up a basketball, it really was a love affair. I found my identity playing the game, like, people saw me,” she recounts . This passion propelled her to the University of Virginia, where she led her team to three Final Four appearances and earned national recognition.
Trailblazing Career and Coaching Achievements
Staley’s professional career includes being a six-time WNBA All-Star and a three-time Olympic gold medalist. Transitioning into coaching, she took the helm at the University of South Carolina in 2008. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have secured multiple NCAA championships, most recently in 2024, and she has become the highest-paid coach in women’s basketball history .
Advocacy and Leadership Beyond the Court
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Staley is a vocal advocate for equality and representation in sports. In her memoir, she discusses her commitment to uplifting others and her desire to impact the game beyond coaching. At a recent event in Philadelphia, she expressed interest in owning a WNBA team, stating, “I don’t want to come back and coach, OK? I want ownership” .
Community Engagement and Book Tour
To promote Uncommon Favor, Staley has embarked on a book tour, making stops in Columbia, Philadelphia, and New York City. In Columbia, local bookstore All Good Books reported high demand, with numerous pre-orders and community excitement surrounding the release .
Critical Reception and Impact
The memoir has been well-received, with readers praising its authenticity and inspirational message. Staley’s candid storytelling offers valuable insights into perseverance, leadership, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Uncommon Favor stands as a testament to Dawn Staley’s remarkable journey and her unwavering commitment to excellence, both on and off the court. Through her memoir, she continues to inspire and empower individuals to pursue their passions and lead with conviction.
