httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXAfiUrknoc
COLUMBIA, S.C. – It’s no secret that the United States is the dominant force in the international women’s basketball world.
“It’s not just about winning,” said Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of USA Basketball, the sport’s governing body in the United States.
Building that culture is now the responsibility of Philadelphia and Temple legend Dawn Staley, the women’s basketball head coach at South Carolina.
Staley was tapped by USA Basketball to coach the women’s national team, replacing Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma, another Philadelphia legend.
“I am incredibly humbled and honored to be head coach of our U.S. national team,” Staley said at the USA Basketball press conference Friday afternoon.
Growing up in Philadelphia, Staley, who was a high school star at Dobbins, didn’t initially dream she would reach this position with USA Basketball.
“I didn’t see this moment ever happening because I just wanted to be a part of one Olympic Games,” Staley said.
Staley played in three Olympic Games – 1996, 2000, 2004 – carried the torch in the 2004 games, and coached as an assistant to Auriemma in 2012 and 2016.
Staley’s appointment to USA Basketball head coach further extends her reach.