South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley is savoring the early offseason before returning to the sidelines to chase her fourth national championship. The 55-year-old has mentored numerous WNBA stars, with A’ja Wilson standing out prominently.
Wilson, currently a star for the Las Vegas Aces, has secured two WNBA championships and three league MVP awards. She played under Staley from the 2014-15 to 2017-18 college seasons, and their bond remains strong.
In February, Wilson’s signature Nike A’One sneaker was revealed. Ahead of its public release on May 6, Staley appeared in a Nike ad promoting the shoe.
Staley commented on Nike’s post about the advertisement, writing, “A’JA WILSON!! God’s extraordinary favor shines through!!!! Congrats A! Love you! So proud!”
On Friday, South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley playfully hinted at a return from retirement after A’ja Wilson gifted her the latest “Leo Lights” colorway of Wilson’s signature Nike A’One sneaker.
“Got ‘em!” Staley shared on Threads. “I’m coming out of retirement so I can get buckets and stops in my A’Ones @aja22wilson.”
Staley, a former standout player, competed at the University of Virginia, guiding her team to three Final Four appearances and one national championship game, while earning two Naismith College Player of the Year awards. Her professional career spanned eight WNBA seasons, starting with the Charlotte Sting and later joining the Houston Comets, both now-defunct franchises.
A six-time WNBA All-Star, Staley was also honored on the league’s 10th and 15th Anniversary Teams.
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