South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley has brought in WNBA icon Lisa Leslie to help develop the Gamecocks’ frontcourt, aiming to strengthen the program’s dominance and take the women’s team to even greater heights.
In a move that is already sending ripples through the world of women’s college basketball, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley has made a bold, strategic addition to her staff by enlisting WNBA legend Lisa Leslie to help elevate the Gamecocks’ frontcourt. This partnership brings together two of the most influential figures in women’s basketball history—one known for her transformative work on the sidelines and the other for redefining the center position on the professional stage. The collaboration signals South Carolina’s continued push for sustained excellence, dominance in the SEC, and national championship contention for years to come.
Dawn Staley’s success at South Carolina is well-documented. Since taking over in 2008, she has built the Gamecocks into a national powerhouse. With multiple SEC championships, Final Four appearances, and national titles under her belt, Staley’s leadership has turned South Carolina into a destination program. Her impact goes beyond wins and losses—she’s cultivated a winning culture, empowered her players on and off the court, and established a legacy rooted in discipline, trust, and unrelenting competitiveness. Yet even with all her accolades, Staley remains restless. She is always seeking ways to evolve, grow, and keep her program a step ahead of the competition.
That mindset led her to Lisa Leslie, a name synonymous with greatness in women’s basketball. A four-time Olympic gold medalist, three-time WNBA MVP, and two-time WNBA champion, Leslie’s resume is as decorated as they come. She was the first player to dunk in a WNBA game and remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the sport. Her understanding of post play, physicality, positioning, and leadership is unmatched, and her ability to teach and inspire makes her the ideal figure to mentor South Carolina’s frontcourt.
Staley’s decision to bring Leslie into the fold is more than just a headline-grabbing move—it’s a calculated strategy to address a key area of growth for the Gamecocks. While South Carolina has produced dominant post players in recent years—most notably national player of the year Aliyah Boston—the team’s frontcourt depth will need to evolve as younger, less experienced players take on more responsibility. With Leslie’s tutelage, the Gamecocks hope to mold the next wave of elite post talents who can anchor the paint, dominate the boards, and serve as interior enforcers in the SEC and NCAA Tournament.
Lisa Leslie’s involvement is expected to be hands-on and deeply focused. She will work directly with South Carolina’s post players in practices, film sessions, and individual workouts. Her focus will be on the nuances of post play—footwork, timing, angles, body control, and basketball IQ. Few people understand how to dominate in the paint like Leslie, and her ability to translate that experience into teachable lessons will be a major asset. Her presence alone brings an aura of excellence that commands attention and respect.
For players like rising stars Ashlyn Watkins and Chloe Kitts, who are expected to play pivotal roles in the post rotation, Leslie’s arrival offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from a legend. Watkins, with her high-flying athleticism and shot-blocking prowess, has shown flashes of brilliance, while Kitts brings versatility and finesse. Under Leslie’s guidance, both players are poised to make significant developmental strides. Whether it’s mastering the art of sealing defenders, executing drop steps, or reading double-teams, the knowledge they gain could be the difference-maker in tight games and high-stakes moments.
Staley’s recruiting pitch just got even stronger as well. The presence of Lisa Leslie is certain to resonate with top-tier post prospects across the country. For high school recruits with aspirations of professional success, the chance to be mentored by a Hall of Famer who has achieved everything in the sport is a massive draw. It further cements South Carolina’s status as a program that not only wins championships but also prepares its players for long, impactful careers in the WNBA.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, the partnership between Staley and Leslie symbolizes the growing power of Black women in leadership roles within women’s basketball. Both have broken barriers throughout their careers and continue to challenge the status quo. Their alliance represents a shared vision for the sport—one centered on empowerment, excellence, and community. Together, they send a powerful message about the importance of representation and the value of mentorship.
This move also demonstrates Staley’s humility and willingness to embrace outside voices. Despite her own brilliance as a coach, she recognizes that bringing in someone like Leslie offers fresh perspectives and new energy. It’s a testament to her confidence and commitment to doing whatever it takes to push the program forward. That openness to collaboration is part of what makes Staley one of the most respected figures in coaching today.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Columbia, South Carolina. The Gamecocks, fresh off another deep NCAA Tournament run, are reloading and refocusing. With a blend of returning contributors, promising underclassmen, and high-impact newcomers, they are poised to make another run at the national title. Lisa Leslie’s addition adds another layer of intrigue and expectation. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how her influence shapes the team’s frontcourt play and overall identity.
The impact of Leslie’s mentorship may not be fully quantifiable in statistics alone. Yes, improvements in rebounding, paint scoring, and defensive efficiency will be indicators, but her true value may lie in the confidence and professionalism she instills in the players. Teaching them how to carry themselves, how to lead, how to embrace the grind—that’s the intangible influence that can take a team from good to great.
For Leslie, the opportunity to join Staley’s program offers a return to the roots of the game. She’s long been an ambassador for basketball and a role model for young athletes. Now, she gets to pour into the next generation in a deeply personal and hands-on way. It’s a natural extension of her career and a meaningful new chapter in her basketball journey. Being part of a championship-driven program like South Carolina allows her to make a real, tangible impact.
South Carolina’s players are already buzzing with excitement. Having access to a basketball icon with Leslie’s credentials is a rare gift. The anticipation of learning from her, competing under her watchful eye, and absorbing her wisdom is fueling offseason workouts and team preparation. Practices are expected to be intense and purposeful, with a renewed focus on physicality, toughness, and precision in the post.
Staley’s ability to adapt and innovate continues to set her apart. College basketball is an ever-evolving landscape, with NIL, the transfer portal, and increased competition making sustained success harder than ever. But rather than rest on her laurels, Staley is doubling down on development and elite mentorship. By adding Lisa Leslie to her circle, she’s building an even stronger foundation for long-term success.
This is also a pivotal moment for the sport itself. As women’s basketball continues to grow in popularity and visibility, collaborations like this one elevate the entire game. They create storylines, drive interest, and showcase the depth of talent and leadership in women’s sports. Young fans watching from home will see two legends joining forces and be inspired to dream bigger and work harder.
Ultimately, the union of Dawn Staley and Lisa Leslie is about legacy. Both have already secured their places in basketball history, but they’re not finished. They are now on a shared mission—to elevate South Carolina to even greater heights and to develop young women into champions on the court and in life. The future is bright for the Gamecocks, and with Leslie helping to shape the frontcourt, opponents should take notice. The bar has been raised once again in Columbia.
