Dawn Staley Makes Power Move, Adds WNBA Icon Lisa Leslie to South Carolina Coaching Staff

In a groundbreaking move that has sent ripples through the women’s basketball world, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley is bringing in WNBA legend Lisa Leslie to help develop her frontcourt players. The addition of Leslie—a three-time WNBA MVP, four-time Olympic gold medalist, and one of the most iconic figures in women’s basketball history—is yet another bold step by Staley to keep her Gamecocks at the pinnacle of the sport.

The announcement was made Tuesday morning in a press release by the University of South Carolina’s athletic department. Leslie will join the program as a special assistant with a focus on post player development, leadership mentoring, and strategic player development. It’s a hire that instantly elevates South Carolina’s already elite staff to new heights.

Dawn Staley, who has turned South Carolina into the gold standard of women’s college basketball, praised the move as a transformational moment for the program. “Lisa Leslie is the epitome of greatness in our game,” Staley said. “Her experience, basketball IQ, and ability to connect with players is going to be invaluable to us, especially our young post players.”

Leslie echoed the excitement in her official statement. “I’m honored to join Dawn and her incredible program,” she said. “South Carolina has set the standard in women’s college basketball, and I’m excited to help these young players reach their full potential—on and off the court. I believe in this team and what they’re building here.”

Leslie’s presence immediately gives the Gamecocks’ frontcourt players access to one of the most dominant post players the game has ever seen. During her illustrious career, Leslie was not only a scoring and rebounding machine but a commanding defensive anchor and a pioneer for women’s professional basketball.

Known for her fluid footwork, unstoppable hook shot, and fierce competitiveness, Leslie is uniquely qualified to mentor players like Kamilla Cardoso’s successors and the next wave of South Carolina bigs. With Cardoso off to the WNBA, the timing couldn’t be more perfect to inject elite-level post knowledge into the developmental pipeline.

Beyond her basketball skills, Leslie brings a championship mentality to a program already steeped in it. Her experience in winning at the highest levels—internationally and professionally—adds a dimension of leadership that few programs can match. Staley, herself a former Olympic teammate of Leslie’s, knows exactly what her new assistant brings to the table.

The chemistry between Staley and Leslie is also a storyline to watch. The two icons go back decades, having played together on Team USA and shared the same goal of elevating the women’s game. Their mutual respect and understanding of what it takes to lead will be foundational to their partnership at South Carolina.

This hire also speaks to the ambition of Staley and her commitment to evolving her program. While many coaches would rest on recent championships and Final Four appearances, Staley is clearly aiming for sustained excellence—and she’s pulling in the best talent to do it.

The Gamecocks are coming off another dominant season and remain the top recruiting destination in women’s college basketball. Adding Leslie to the staff only increases their allure to top-tier prospects, particularly elite post players who want to learn from the best to ever do it.

Leslie’s role will extend beyond practice courts and film sessions. She’s expected to take an active role in mentoring players personally and professionally, including helping them navigate the growing world of NIL opportunities, media presence, and life after college basketball.

For many of the current South Carolina players, having Leslie around is like stepping into a living textbook of basketball excellence. The opportunity to be mentored by a Hall of Famer is something few college players ever experience, and the impact could be program-defining.

Leslie’s influence will be especially critical for underclassmen and new recruits. Her ability to break down game film, teach pro-level footwork, and demand accountability will accelerate the development of South Carolina’s next generation of stars.

The move also reflects a growing trend of WNBA legends entering the college coaching ranks—an exciting development for the growth of the women’s game. Names like Sue Bird, Tina Thompson, and now Lisa Leslie are bringing their knowledge back to the grassroots level, helping shape the sport’s future.

Reaction from around the basketball world has been overwhelmingly positive. Fellow coaches and former players have praised the move as a win for South Carolina and women’s hoops in general. “This is huge,” tweeted WNBA great Tamika Catchings. “Dawn and Lisa together? That’s greatness stacked on greatness.”

For Leslie, this new chapter represents both a homecoming and a leap forward. Though she has spent time in media and youth development since retiring from the WNBA, this marks her most direct involvement in high-level coaching to date. And she’s joining a program already positioned to win national titles.

Fans are already speculating about how Leslie might influence the team’s strategy. While her official role will be in player development, many believe her basketball mind will make its way into game planning and on-court adjustments. Her understanding of spacing, angles, and interior play could be a major asset in postseason play.

With preseason workouts around the corner, all eyes will be on Columbia, South Carolina. Between Staley’s coaching genius and Leslie’s arrival, the Gamecocks may be entering their most powerful era yet—one where experience, star power, and innovation collide.

For now, the message is loud and clear: South Carolina women’s basketball isn’t just aiming to stay on top. It’s evolving, expanding, and setting new standards. With Dawn Staley and Lisa Leslie now side by side, the future of the Gamecocks—and the sport—just got a whole lot brighter.