“Ugly wins count just as much as pretty ones”: Dawn Staley, head coach of South Carolina, on the Gamecocks’ mindset before to March Madness

As the basketball season winds down and teams turn their attention toward March Madness, the mantra of “ugly wins count just as much as pretty ones” has become a crucial part of the South Carolina Gamecocks’ approach, according to Dawn Staley, the team’s head coach. This mindset has become a vital part of their preparation for the NCAA tournament, a time when teams face the best of the best, and every game presents a new challenge. For Staley and her team, the ability to grind out victories—no matter how they look on the scoreboard—is just as important as flashy, high-scoring performances.

In the competitive world of college basketball, particularly in March Madness, the pressure is palpable. Teams are often facing one of the toughest stretches of their season, and the road to the NCAA championship is fraught with uncertainty. Some games will be won with dominant performances, where everything clicks, but others will require grit, determination, and the ability to fight through adversity.

Staley, who has built South Carolina into one of the most successful programs in women’s college basketball, knows that the road to a national championship is rarely smooth. In fact, she believes that a strong, resilient mindset—one that embraces “ugly” wins—is essential for success during March Madness. Staley’s assertion reflects a truth about high-stakes basketball: It’s not always about the style points. Rather, it’s about finding ways to win, even when things aren’t going according to plan.

Understanding the “Ugly Win” Concept

An “ugly win” in basketball might not be the type of game that wins awards or makes highlight reels, but it is often the hallmark of a truly resilient team. These are games where the offense may not be clicking, the defense might be out of sync, or the team may face foul trouble and other setbacks. However, in these types of games, the true character of a team shines through. It’s not about the smooth execution of every play; it’s about the ability to make adjustments, fight through adversity, and find a way to win despite not playing at your best.

An “ugly win” is characterized by a combination of grit and determination. A team might struggle to score but can still manage to control the game defensively, forcing turnovers and limiting the opponent’s options. These games might be won through free throws in the final moments, clutch defensive stops, or by leaning on the leadership and poise of veteran players. In many cases, “ugly wins” are a result of a team being mentally tough enough to overcome the inevitable challenges that come in high-pressure situations.

For Staley and the Gamecocks, these types of victories are seen as crucial for long-term success. The ability to fight through tough moments and still find ways to get the job done will be invaluable when they face the best teams in the country during March Madness.

Dawn Staley’s Leadership and Philosophy

Dawn Staley is no stranger to adversity. She’s faced challenges both as a player and as a coach, and she’s built a program at South Carolina that embraces resilience, toughness, and a relentless drive to win. Her philosophy on coaching and leadership has helped her lead the Gamecocks to multiple NCAA tournament appearances, including a national championship in 2017. However, Staley knows that success in March Madness requires more than just a talented roster—it requires the right mindset.

Staley has always been someone who values defense, hard work, and team chemistry over flashy performances or individual accolades. She has built a reputation as a coach who demands excellence from her players, both on and off the court. This focus on building a strong foundation of team-first principles has allowed her to mold South Carolina into one of the most dominant programs in women’s college basketball.

In recent years, Staley has emphasized the importance of mental toughness and resilience. As she prepares her team for the upcoming tournament, she has made it clear that there will be times when the team won’t play their best basketball. The key to success, in her eyes, is not in having a perfect game but in being able to win even when things don’t go according to plan. Her statement that “ugly wins count just as much as pretty ones” reflects this philosophy—acknowledging that basketball is often unpredictable and that teams must be ready for anything.

The Importance of Mental Toughness

One of the defining characteristics of Staley’s coaching is her emphasis on mental toughness. March Madness is a high-pressure environment, and the teams that succeed are often those that can withstand the pressure and stay focused on the task at hand. The ability to bounce back from adversity—whether it’s a missed shot, a bad call, or a string of turnovers—can make the difference between advancing in the tournament and going home early.

For Staley, mental toughness doesn’t just mean being able to keep your composure in close games. It means being able to adapt to any situation. Whether the team is playing in front of a hostile crowd, dealing with injuries, or facing an opponent that’s playing well above their usual level, it’s important to be able to stay calm, stay disciplined, and find a way to win.

An “ugly win” often involves a team’s ability to gut out victories despite external factors that could derail them. For example, the Gamecocks might struggle offensively against a tough opponent, but their defense could keep them in the game long enough to get a late-game stop or force a turnover. Staley has built a program that thrives in these situations, which is why she places so much value on these types of wins as the season heads into March Madness.

Building a Team That Thrives in Adversity

Staley has long made it clear that she values the ability to adapt and play through tough situations. Her South Carolina teams have earned a reputation for being gritty, competitive, and relentless on both sides of the ball. While offensive schemes and shooting percentages are often highlighted in the media, Staley’s focus is on developing players who can handle difficult moments.

Take, for instance, the Gamecocks’ defensive approach. While many teams focus on offensive efficiency, Staley has built South Carolina into a defensive juggernaut. The team’s defense has been a cornerstone of their success, and it’s a strategy that has allowed the Gamecocks to win even when their offense isn’t firing on all cylinders. In these situations, a team’s defensive prowess becomes even more important. By controlling the tempo and forcing opponents into tough shots, the Gamecocks can stay in games and take advantage of opportunities when they arise.

In March Madness, when the pressure is at its highest, this kind of defensive mindset becomes even more critical. Staley’s ability to teach her players to maintain their composure, to communicate on defense, and to stay focused on their game plan has proven to be a winning formula. The Gamecocks know that they don’t always have to win with flair—sometimes, they just need to find a way to get it done.

The Role of Leadership in Ugly Wins

In high-pressure games, leadership plays a crucial role. A game may not always go according to plan, but when a team has strong leaders on the court, it has someone who can steady the ship and inspire confidence. South Carolina’s leadership, both from veterans and the coaching staff, is vital in ensuring that the team maintains its poise when things get tough.

Veterans like Aliyah Boston and Destanni Henderson, who have played pivotal roles for South Carolina, are examples of the kind of leaders who can help guide the Gamecocks through the difficult moments. Boston, who has been one of the most dominant players in college basketball, exemplifies Staley’s coaching philosophy. Whether Boston is leading the team in scoring, grabbing crucial rebounds, or anchoring the defense, her leadership allows South Carolina to stay calm and focused, even in the most challenging of games.

In these “ugly wins,” it’s often the leaders who step up—whether it’s with a key defensive play, a clutch rebound, or a critical shot late in the game. Staley’s ability to develop leadership within her players has been a hallmark of her success, and it’s something that will serve the Gamecocks well as they enter March Madness.

March Madness: A Test of Resilience

March Madness is known for its unpredictability. Upsets are common, and the best teams are often forced to navigate through tough challenges on their way to the championship. It’s a time when every team must find a way to win, and the ability to grind out victories is what often separates the contenders from the pretenders.

For the South Carolina Gamecocks, the “ugly win” mentality will be crucial as they prepare for the tournament. The road to a national championship is rarely a smooth one, but with the leadership of Dawn Staley and the mental toughness of her players, the Gamecocks are well-equipped to handle whatever March Madness throws their way.