Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley is bringing in WNBA legend Lisa Leslie a 3-time MVP and 4-time Olympic gold medalist, to help develop her frontcourt players

In a groundbreaking and bold move that signals an even more dominant future for South Carolina women’s basketball, head coach Dawn Staley has announced that WNBA legend Lisa Leslie will be joining her staff as a special advisor and developmental coach for the team’s frontcourt. The addition of Leslie—one of the most accomplished and iconic players in women’s basketball history—marks a significant moment not only for the Gamecocks but for the entire landscape of the sport.

A three-time WNBA MVP, four-time Olympic gold medalist, and Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Leslie brings with her a wealth of knowledge, an unmatchable pedigree, and an unrelenting standard of excellence. For the Gamecocks, who are already one of the most dominant programs in college basketball, Leslie’s arrival is nothing short of a game-changer.

Building a Dynasty

Dawn Staley has never been one to settle. After leading the Gamecocks to multiple Final Fours and national championships, she continues to push the envelope, seeking new ways to give her players an edge. By bringing in Lisa Leslie to work specifically with her frontcourt players, Staley is laying the groundwork for continued success in both player development and recruiting.

“This is about more than basketball,” Staley said in a statement. “Lisa is a mentor, a teacher, and a champion in every sense of the word. Her presence will elevate our program, not just in how we play, but in how we think, how we prepare, and how we grow.”

The Lisa Leslie Legacy

Lisa Leslie’s legacy is etched into the very foundation of women’s basketball. At 6-foot-5, she redefined the center position in the women’s game, combining dominant post play with exceptional athleticism, finesse, and leadership. She was the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game and helped lead the Los Angeles Sparks to back-to-back championships in 2001 and 2002.

Her accolades are nearly unmatched:

• 3× WNBA MVP (2001, 2004, 2006)
• 4× Olympic Gold Medalist (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008)
• 8× WNBA All-Star
• 2× WNBA Champion
• 2× WNBA Defensive Player of the Year
• Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (2015)

More than just a star, Leslie was a pioneer—a face of the league and a role model for generations of young athletes. Her commitment to excellence didn’t stop when she retired; she’s remained heavily involved in the game as a coach, mentor, broadcaster, and advocate for women in sports.

What This Means for the Gamecocks

South Carolina has already built a reputation for producing elite frontcourt talent, with names like A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and Kamilla Cardoso emerging as household names. With Leslie now part of the developmental equation, the pipeline of post dominance could become even more prolific.

Leslie will be working closely with the team’s forwards and centers, focusing on everything from footwork and timing to shot selection, rebounding positioning, and defensive IQ. For players like Ashlyn Watkins, Sania Feagin, and up-and-coming freshman phenoms, this mentorship could accelerate their growth and prepare them not just for collegiate stardom—but for long, successful professional careers.

“I grew up watching Lisa Leslie,” Watkins said. “To now have the opportunity to learn from her—every day—is surreal. She’s already helping me see the game in a different way.”

Recruiting Impact

In today’s competitive recruiting environment, top-tier prospects want to know one thing: “Can you get me to the next level?” With Lisa Leslie joining the fold, South Carolina just added one of the most convincing answers in the country.

Imagine a 17-year-old 5-star center sitting in Coach Staley’s office and hearing, “Lisa Leslie will personally help develop your game.” That’s a mic-drop moment.

Staley and her staff already have one of the best recruiting track records in the nation. Now, with Leslie onboard, they have a new, powerful selling point that will resonate with post players across the country.

A Coaching Duo for the Ages

The partnership between Dawn Staley and Lisa Leslie is one of the most iconic duos imaginable in women’s basketball. Between them, they have a combined:

• 8 Olympic Gold Medals
• 2 Naismith Hall of Fame inductions
• Multiple national and WNBA championships
• Decades of experience as players, mentors, and leaders

Their shared experience and mutual respect create a dream environment for young athletes. Both have walked the walk—at the highest levels—and now they’re giving back by pouring their knowledge into the next generation.

Their collaboration will also be a case study in modern coaching: blending traditional fundamentals with innovative strategies, emotional intelligence with championship mentality, and discipline with empathy.

Elevating the Women’s Game

Leslie’s involvement at South Carolina also has broader implications for the game. It signals a new era where former stars aren’t just celebrating the game from the sidelines or studios—but getting directly involved in player development at the collegiate level.

It’s a message to other former pros: Your impact doesn’t have to end with retirement. There’s a powerful, meaningful role for you in shaping the future of basketball.

Community and Culture

Staley has built more than just a winning program in Columbia—she’s built a culture of empowerment, family, and social impact. Leslie fits perfectly into that framework. Both are passionate advocates for women, education, and equity in sports.

Leslie has long been involved in youth mentorship, community outreach, and business initiatives aimed at uplifting underserved communities. Her presence in Columbia will extend far beyond the court. From speaking engagements to youth camps to media opportunities, she’s poised to become a pillar of the Gamecock community.

Player Reaction

The response from current and former players has been nothing short of electric. Social media lit up with praise following the announcement, with athletes, fans, and analysts all weighing in.

Kamilla Cardoso, currently a WNBA draft prospect, tweeted: “WOW. Lisa Leslie?! South Carolina just keeps raising the bar. This is amazing for the players.”

Aliyah Boston, now with the Indiana Fever, added: “Coach Staley doesn’t miss. What a move.”

The buzz is real, and the expectations for this year’s team—and beyond—just got even higher.

Final Thoughts

With the addition of Lisa Leslie, South Carolina women’s basketball is not just keeping pace with the best programs in the nation—it’s sprinting ahead. This move solidifies the Gamecocks as the premier destination for elite frontcourt players and reinforces Dawn Staley’s status as a visionary leader who always finds new ways to elevate her team.

For Leslie, it’s a return to the heart of the game. For South Carolina, it’s a masterstroke. And for women’s basketball as a whole, it’s a defining moment—one that proves the past, present, and future can all thrive together when legends lead the way.