Tag: Dawn Staley

Plies posts wholesome celebration video after Dawn Staley accepted rapper’s invite to a January concert

Find you somebody who gets as excited about you as Plies does about Dawn Staley.

Plies and Dawn Staley is one of the most unlikely duos in sports, but it magically works.

Dawn Staley is a legend in her own right. Staley is a 2013 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and a six-time WNBA All-Star. She also coaches the hottest team in women’s basketball, the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Honestly, she’s a beloved figure in South Carolina for her dedication to her athletes and the community. Her supporters flock to her infectious energy and appreciate her gentle yet firm coaching style.

So, it’s not exactly shocking that hoops fans across the sports landscape would be in awe of her, including Grammy-nominated rapper Plies, who recently invited Staley to a January 2024 music event.

She saw his gesture and accepted the invite. That decision netted a response from the rapper, which is perfection.

Plies’ reaction was so incredibly precious that Staley couldn’t help but share the excitement.

You love to see it.

Why Dawn Staley landing No. 2 recruit Joyce Edwards at South Carolina is historically impressive

Spill the tea, Dawn. We need to know how you do it.

Dawn Staley rarely misses, and it’s mind-boggling.

After a brutal loss to Iowa in the NCAA tournament, the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team lost all five starters to the WNBA. At the beginning of the 2023-2024 season, the program was ranked No. 6 in the AP national poll.

After scoring at least 100 points against top-25 ranked opponents Notre Dame and Maryland, South Carolina jumped to No.1 in the country, back like they never left.

It was already awe-inspiring to seemingly not miss a beat, but head coach Dawn Staley raised the bar higher. On Wednesday, the No. 2 recruit in the class of 2024, Joyce Edwards, committed to South Carolina over reigning national champions LSU and in-state rival Clemson.

Edwards wasn’t expected to commit until April, but the choice became clearer after talking with Staley and Las Vegas Aces star and South Carolina alum A’ja Wilson.

“The difference was the coach,” said Edwards confidently.

Edwards’ decision reflects Staley’s commitment to developing her players and pursuing greatness. Despite South Carolina not having Edwards’ intended major — environmental engineering — Staley worked behind the scenes to make sure Edwards could still pursue her dreams through the school’s honors program.

That is a dedication to your craft personified.

It’s why Staley has declined to leave the college ranks for other coaching opportunities. It’s also why Staley has signed six of the state of Carolina’s top-35 prospects since 2014.

But making history is her thing. It’s what she does.

She’s very intentional, and the players who decide to join her never forget that.

Best photos, Tweets and videos from Gamecocks and Fighting Irish in Paris

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley called the game a “business trip” and emphasized they were heading to Paris to win.

The South Carolina Gamecocks and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish played the first NCAA women’s basketball regular-season game in Europe. The Gamecocks walked away with the win, defeating Notre Dame, 100-71, in Paris, France.

The game drew a crowd of 3,203 spectators in Paris, with the game airing live on ESPN. Gamecocks freshman Milaysia Fulwiley scored an impressive 17 points, six assists and six steals.

“Togetherness is one of the main words we’ve been using all practice,” Fulwiley said. “We just play with each other, we love each other. We’ve been putting in the work since summer, so I think it was pretty easy for us once we got on the court.”

Both teams put on a show for the fans at the game and home. Players were able to tour Paris and see landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley called the game a “business trip” and emphasized they were heading to Paris to win.

“We’re talking about the student-athlete experience,” Staley said. “We try to do that right here in our home country, in our home state. But when you’re able to give young people an experience like this, we don’t know what’s going to happen, meaning we don’t know what we’re going to experience. So it’s all very new to all of us, but I know we’re gonna have a good time.”

See the best photos, videos and reactions to the game in Paris:

South Carolina says yes ‘oui’ can in win over Notre Dame in Paris

The South Carolina Gamcocks and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish played the first-ever NCAA regular-season basketball game in Paris.

The South Carolina Gamecocks and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish played the first NCAA women’s basketball regular-season game in Europe. The Gamecocks walked away with the win, defeating Notre Dame, 100-71, in Paris, France.

“It was really a blank canvas,” said Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley, who posed in front of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece Mona Lisa at the Louvre a few days before the game. “But the chemistry that they’re building is very special.”

South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso had 20 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks, and freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley had 17 points. Five Gamecocks finished in double figures. For the Fighting Irish, Hannah Hidalgo, in her collegiate debut, posted 31 points.

The game drew the attention of notable names in basketball, including Magic Johnson and Kevin Durant. Other notable players and former Gamecocks legends such as Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke also tuned into the game.

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Notre Dame crushed by South Carolina in Paris to open season

Yep, the season officially is on.

Even with a healthy [autotag]Olivia Miles[/autotag], Notre Dame would have been an underdog against South Carolina in the season opener in Paris. After all, the Gamecocks have a better recent track record and a higher preseason ranking.

Whether Miles would have made a difference for the Irish on Monday will remain a mystery. All we know is they’re off to an 0-1 start after a 100-71 blowout loss to the Gamecocks, the first NCAA game ever to be played in the City of Lights.

Freshman phenom [autotag]Hannah Hidalgo[/autotag] scored 13 of her game-high 31 points in the first quarter, leading the Irish to a 25-24 lead after the first 10 minutes. The second quarter was a completely different story as the Gamecocks outscored the Irish, 24-8, and never looked back. In fact, the deficit only continued to balloon from there.

The Gamecocks held considerable advantages over the Irish in many statistical categories. This included bench points (30-10), points in the paint (62-18), fast-break points (24-6), blocks (11-3) and assists (28-10). In short, the Irish were completely outplayed, outworked and outhustled after the first quarter, and it was obvious to anyone watching.

Kamilla Cardoso did the most damage for the Gamecocks with an astonishing line of 20 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks. Freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley was equally lethal with 17 points, six assists, six steals and one of the smoothest moves you’ll ever see anywhere:

The move even got Magic Johnson’s attention:

Three other Gamecocks also reached double figures in scoring, and two of those players had at least six assists. It proved just how many complete players Dawn Staley is lucky to coach.

[autotag]Maddy Westbeld[/autotag] and [autotag]Sonia Citron[/autotag] were the two other Irish players to score in double figures with 12 points apiece.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

Dawn Staley deserves so much praise for taking her South Carolina team to Paris

Dawn Staley is a gem. Give this woman her flowers NOW.

If there is one thing Dawn Staley will do, it’s support her players no matter what.

In August, she attended an Atlanta Dream game to see former South Carolina Gamecocks Aliyah Boston, Allisha Gray, Laeticia Amihere and Victaria Saxton. In October, she was spotted courtside during the WNBA Finals to see A’ja Wilson win her second title.

Now, Staley is taking the current South Carolina women’s basketball team to Paris for its 2023-2024 season opener. On Monday, November 6, South Carolina will take on Notre Dame in the first regular-season NCAA game on Parisian soil.

During a recent game preview segment with ESPN, the former WNBA player turned coach told sports anchor Elle Duncan that if other leagues can do it, her team should be able to as well.

“I always thought: why couldn’t we do it? And then, what do you know? We’re doing it,” Staley explained.

The best part of Staley making this happen is that the impact it will have on her players will likely stay with them for a lifetime.

Notre Dame’s head coach, Niele Ivey, seems to support that same notion. During ACC Women’s Basketball Media Day, she shared her thoughts:

“I have so much respect for South Carolina and Dawn Staley. Going up against one of the best in our game, I think it’s going to be just amazing.

To be able to showcase women’s basketball, the first time men’s or women’s collegiate game being on display in Paris, is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m grateful that my team gets a chance to be a part of this.

It’s not just a game. We realize it’s bigger than just the game. We’re highlighting women’s sports, but we’re also getting a chance to impact the community.”

You deserve all your flowers, Dawn Staley.

Niele Ivey, Sonia Citron, Kylee Watson speak during ACC Women’s Tipoff

Hear from the reigning ACC regular-season champs.

Notre Dame is hoping to repeat and even improve upon the success it had last year as the ACC regular-season champion. Reigning ACC Coach of the Year [autotag]Niele Ivey[/autotag] fielded questions about that and more during the ACC Women’s Tipoff on Oct. 24 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Joining her were returnees [autotag]Sonia Citron[/autotag] and [autotag]Kylee Watson[/autotag].

Here is some of what they had to say:

2023 Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award recipient announced

The 2023 recipient of the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award is Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell.

The Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award “was created to recognize a WNBA player who best exemplifies the characteristics of a leader in the community where they work or live.”

The 2023 award recipient is Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell.

“The WNBA is extremely proud to see Kelsey recognized for her volunteer work and community impact,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “Kelsey’s work with young people and families in her community continues to make an enormous positive influence, and she echoes the example set by Dawn Staley as a role model in sports. Along with her fellow WNBA players, Kelsey is dedicated to making the world a better place for the next generation.”

Mitchell founded the KelzHoop Foundation, which aims to encourage and support student-athletes with limited opportunities in their pursuit of playing competitive sports.

“As a player in the WNBA, we are always pushing to be recognized for what we can accomplish both on and off the court,” said Mitchell. “The Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award is the pinnacle of what it means to be ‘more than an athlete.’ It is upon all of us to inspire the next generation to be the best people they can possibly be throughout all of our communities. I will carry the responsibility as a Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award winner with immense pride.”

Mitchell was chosen by a designated committee as the recipient of the award among a pool of other nominated WNBA players. The WNBA will make a $10,000 donation to the KelzHoop Foundation on behalf of Mitchell.

Throughout 2023, Mitchell participated in community events including the Million Meal Marathon, Season of Giving Dinner, the BIG Toy Giveaway, a Jr. NBA event in Louisville, Kentucky, Dick’s Sporting Goods Shop with a Pro and the Kroger Shoe Giveaway. She also traveled to two local Indiana high schools on National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) to share the impact sports have had on her life.

“Community service is a selfless act. With all of the pressures, travel and time away from family that players balance, they could easily make excuses on why they don’t have time to do anything extra,” Staley said. “You find the moments where you can utilize your platform to elevate others. You somehow find the energy to give because you know that you have the resources that communities need.

“Kelsey exemplifies what it means to have a servant’s heart. She is no stranger to being a community advocate and philanthropist or to this award. She is the first player to win the Dawn Staley Award in college and the WNBA and I am proud of the leadership she displays, on and off the court.”

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Where in the world is Marcus Freeman: Fishing with QB1 edition

Your clues: Visiting a national champion basketball coach, seeing an ND grad/prominent ACC AD, and seeing his QB1.

A quick search of “Marcus Freeman is everywhere” on Twitter shows that the Notre Dame head football coach certainly isn’t scared to get up and go.  One minute he’s in South Bend and the next he’s at the White House.  Whether its recruiting, doing public speaking, or something in-between, Freeman is certainly active.

During the first week of May, Notre Dame’s athletic webpage started a blog to track Freeman’s whereabouts as he is booked with events nationwide this month that aren’t directly related to on-the-field activities.

So what was the Notre Dame head coach up to in the last few days?  Throwing some lines with his starting quarterback was just one of the things he was up to.

COLUMN: LSU women’s basketball is going to be here a long time

LSU and Kim Mulkey aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

On Feb. 13, following LSU’s loss to South Carolina, I wrote, “LSU isn’t a contender.”

Not two months later, I was proven wrong along with a whole bunch of talking heads. [autotag]Kim Mulkey[/autotag], [autotag]Angel Reese[/autotag] and crew did the thing.

I wrote, “LSU looks poised to be a threat in the SEC for several years, it’s just not there yet.”

After that loss, Mulkey acknowledged LSU wasn’t there yet either. She said it was South Carolina and then everyone else.

On Sunday, it was LSU and then everyone else. The Tigers left no doubts, scoring 102 and winning by 17. This is the best team in the country.

When Mulkey was hired in 2021, LSU had only won nine games the year prior, hadn’t won a tournament game since 2014 and hadn’t been to the Final Four since 2008.

There are much longer Final Four droughts than the one LSU just ended, but it was a program in need of revival.

Mulkey, whose demeanor and presence sometimes are sometimes more reminiscent of a revival preacher than a basketball coach, was just the woman to bring LSU back to life.

Mulkey was no stranger to Louisiana or LSU. She grew up in Louisiana and played college ball at Louisiana Tech.

And you know the running joke. Haven’t you heard? Her son played baseball at LSU. If Mulkey didn’t have a game of her own to coach, ESPN was sure to give her screen time in those Alex Box Stadium bleachers.

Mulkey didn’t take the job because it was easy. She could have stayed at Baylor, where she was a top-two seed in the tournament every year for the last 10 years.

A coach approaching 60 didn’t have to jump ship to take on a rebuild. Mulkey knew LSU could be years away from reaching the heights she did at Baylor.

None of that mattered. She wanted to come home. She wanted to bring LSU a championship. It’s what she promised when she first appeared in the PMAC.

And now, it’s a promise delivered.

Mulkey rebuilt LSU at a rapid pace. LSU went from mediocre to national title winner in less than two years and it doesn’t look like it’s going away anytime soon.

We haven’t seen the ceiling yet.

This team had nine new players. Most of them will be back and joined by a recruiting class even better than Mulkey’s first two.

LSU is no longer the upstart underdog. It’s a destination that’ll attract the sport’s top talent.

Women’s college basketball is a sport that’s been prone to create dynasties. Star coaches have been able to consolidate talent giving their programs staying power.

That’s the path LSU is on right now.

Maintaining excellence is a whole different ball game, but you get the sense this team is going to remain hungry. Mulkey squads always play like they have something to prove.

But South Carolina is going to be hungry next year too, as is Iowa. The star players that gave LSU a tough time this year will be back for more.

LSU, with all of its flare and style, isn’t going anywhere either.

You might love them, you might hate them, but you’re going to get used to watching them.

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