COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO– South Carolina Gamecocks Women’s Basketball Team Head Coach Dawn Staley has made history. On Friday, Jan. 17, the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees approved a contract extension for Staley that will go through the 2029-2030 season and make her the highest paid college women’s basketball coach in the history of the sport. The contract began immediately after the board’s approval, and starts with an annual salary of $4 million, includes a $500,00 signing bonus and an annual $250,000 escalator, making the total value around $25.25 million. “Dawn Staley is a once-in-a-generation coach who has made a tremendous impact on the University of South Carolina. She has elevated the sport of women’s basketball on the national level and here on campus and I am excited that she will be representing our University for many years to come,” said Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati. Since becoming the head coach in May 2008, the 11 Gamecocks have amassed 27 All-America honors, including two National Players of the Year in A’ja Wilson in 2018, and Aliyah Boston in 2022. Also, three Gamecocks have earned SEC Player of the Year honors a combined seven times, and 22 have picked up All-SEC honors at least once, including 16 first-team selections. “I’m proud to represent the University of South Carolina and of its investment in women’s basketball,” Staley said. Staley has led South Carolina to six of the last nine NCAA Final Fours, including each of the last four. The Gamecocks’ 86 AP No. 1 rankings, all while under Staley as head coach are the third-most by a program in that poll’s history as well, according to a press release. In Staley’s tenure, the Gamecocks Women’s Basketball Team became the first program in league history to win four consecutive SEC tournaments, claiming the crowns 2015-2018. “What we’ve been able to accomplish on the court is a testament to what can happen when you bring together the right people from a team perspective but also have the right commitment from the University, the Athletics Department and the community to providing that team with everything it needs to be successful. I appreciate every person who has been part of our journey – player, staff member, University President and leadership, Board of Trustee member, athletics director, athletics department employee and fan. I look forward to continuing to be an example of how an investment in women’s basketball is one that will pay off for everyone,” Staley stated. Categories: Local News, Local Sports, South Carolina Sports, Sports, USC Gamecocks Tags: Dawn Staley, Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley, Gamecocks Women’s Basketball team, University of South Carolina