Dawn Staley Gives Initial Thoughts on New USC Assistant Wendale Farrow

Dawn Staley’s New Assistant Coach Already Making an Impact with Gamecocks

Wendale Farrow has been part of the South Carolina women’s basketball coaching staff for just over a month, and the early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Head coach Dawn Staley hired Farrow on April 18 to replace Winston Gandy, who left after two seasons to become the head coach at Grand Canyon University.

Speaking at the SEC spring meetings in Destin, Florida, last week, Staley shared that she was looking for someone who embodied many of Gandy’s strengths — and found that in Farrow.

“(Farrow) has been great,” Staley said. “We wanted a prototype of Winston, and we’ve come really close — in terms of expertise and work ethic.”

Farrow, 37, joins the Gamecocks after a four-year stint as an assistant at Southern Cal. While he and Gandy share similar coaching philosophies, Staley noted their personalities differ in meaningful ways.

“(Farrow) is probably a little more outgoing, more expressive,” she said. “There’s no fat to Winston — he was very lean and focused in everything he did. (Farrow) brings more energy, he’s very engaging and connects with our players in a different, but effective, way.”

That ability to connect is something Staley deeply valued in Gandy.

“Winston had a great bond with our players. We’ll miss him. I know some of our players really grew to love him,” she said.

Even before Farrow’s hire, players were vocal about wanting a coach who could build strong relationships. In April, forward Chloe Kitts told The State that Gandy’s youth and approachability helped him relate to the team.

“(Gandy) got to know us and could relate more because he was younger,” Kitts said. “He was someone you could always talk to. I was hoping Coach would bring in someone who could form those same connections, someone who holds us accountable and knows what they’re doing.”

Staley believes Farrow fits that description. She said her players have been open and receptive to him since his arrival.

“He’s not going to let you have a bad day — that’s just who he is,” Staley said.

That sentiment was echoed by forward Adhel Tac at the Gamecock Gala in late April.

“We love him,” Tac said. “He’s a great addition to our staff. He fits us. He just brings really great vibes.”