When three-time Olympic gold medalist Dawn Staley took the reins of the University of South Carolina women's basketball program on May 10, 2008, the Gamecocks' stature immediately rose not just in the Southeastern Conference but on the national stage as well. Building on a foundation of hard work, defensive effort and a "team first" mentality, South Carolina began to realize those expectations in 2011-12, and the program has continued to thrive as one of seven in the nation to be ranked in every Associated Press Top 25 poll since the start of the 2013-14 season. The Gamecocks boast five straight 25-win seasons, which include three SEC regular-season championships (2014, 2015, 2016), two SEC Tournament titles (2015, 2016), an NCAA Final Four appearance (2015) and three other Sweet 16 seasons (2012, 2014, 2016), the program's first ever No. 1 national ranking and a school-record 34 wins in 2014-15. Staley's success has united every demographic in the state of South Carolina as the Gamecocks' fan base tripled over a span of three seasons, and twice led the nation in home attendance (2014-15, 2015-16).
While her coaching career is blossoming, Staley is still recognized for her body of work as a one of the most decorated participants in United States women's basketball history. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame solidified her legacy with her enshrinement as part of the Class of 2013. The Phoenix Club of Philadelphia established the Dawn Staley Award recognizing the nation's top guard in women's Division I basketball in 2013 as well. Staley was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2012 and was one of the final nominees for induction to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame the same year. In the summer of 2011, the WNBA recognized her as one of the league's "Top 15," honoring the most influential players in the league's history.
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