South Carolina Gamecocks Secure Assistant Coaches with $1 Million Extension

Head coach Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks have carved out a serious reputation in women’s college basketball. Under Staley, the Gamecocks have constantly hovered near the top, taking home three national titles since 2017 and making the finals again this past season.

Staley recently landed a hefty contract extension worth $25.25 million, which keeps her in Columbia until 2030. Her assistant coaches also got sizable raises, bumping their combined annual salaries to over $1 million.

South Carolina Gamecocks: A Dynasty in the Making

Since Staley took over, the South Carolina Gamecocks have turned into a true powerhouse. They grabbed national championships in 2017, 2022, and 2024, and even reached the finals again this past year.

Staley’s knack for recruiting top talent and building a winning culture has really set the tone. She’s made a habit of keeping the team in the national spotlight.

Staley’s Leadership and Vision

Her leadership goes well beyond the basketball court. Staley’s commitment to the program and her players shows in her new contract, locking her in with the Gamecocks until 2030.

This long-term deal brings stability, which gives her more time to keep building on what she’s started.

Assistant Coaches Receive Significant Raises

Staley’s assistants didn’t go unnoticed either. Documents from a public records request show all of her assistants got contract extensions and raises back in February.

Now, the four assistant coaches together make over $1 million a year.

Details of the Raises

• Lisa Boyer: Now earns $512,600 annually, up from $432,600. She’s the highest-paid assistant coach on staff.
• Jolette Law: Law’s new contract pays $353,992 a year, up from $319,042.
• Mary Wooley: Wooley’s salary bumped up to $227,520 from $189,262.
• Khadijah Sessions: Sessions saw a jump to $85,125 annually, up from $50,000.

All together, these raises add up to $188,333 more across the four assistants. Their combined salaries now sit at $1,179,237 a year.

The Impact of the Raises

These raises really show how much the assistant coaches matter to the program. Their work’s been crucial, and the pay increases reflect that value.

It’s not clear exactly how much Staley pushed for these raises, but she’s always had her staff’s back. Odds are, she played a part in making sure they were rewarded.

Building a Strong Coaching Staff

Any sports program lives or dies by its coaching staff. By making sure her assistants are well-compensated, Staley’s setting up a solid foundation for the future.

When coaches feel valued and motivated, they’re way more likely to stick around. That kind of stability is tough to beat.

Looking Ahead: Future Goals for the Gamecocks

With Staley and her staff locked in for years, all eyes turn to what’s next. The Gamecocks are aiming to get back to the national championship game for a third straight year after falling to UConn this past season.

They’ve got a talented roster and a tight-knit coaching staff. That’s a recipe for another deep run.

Recruitment and Player Development

Staley’s ability to bring in top recruits and develop players has been a huge part of South Carolina’s success. She knows that’ll be key if they want to keep their edge.

By investing in her assistants, Staley’s making sure her players get the best support and guidance possible. That’s not something you see everywhere, and it could make all the difference.

Conclusion

Dawn Staley and her assistant coaches just landed contract extensions and raises. That says a lot about how seriously the South Carolina Gamecocks take their women’s basketball program.

They’ve built a strong coaching staff. With that foundation, the team seems ready for more big moments in the next few years.