Dawn Staley, the esteemed head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, has announced the forthcoming release of her memoir, “Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three.” Scheduled for publication on May 20, 2025, by Black Privilege Publishing, the book offers an intimate look into Staley’s life, from her early days in North Philadelphia to her illustrious career as a player and coach.
In “Uncommon Favor,” Staley delves into her upbringing in the Raymond Rosen Housing Projects of North Philadelphia, where she first discovered her passion for basketball. The memoir highlights the significant influence of her mother, who instilled in her the values of resilience and determination. Staley reflects on the challenges she faced, including overcoming sexism in sports and adapting to new environments, all of which contributed to her development both on and off the court.
Staley’s playing career is marked by remarkable achievements. As a point guard for the University of Virginia, she led her team to three Final Four appearances. Her prowess extended to the international stage, where she secured three Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 1996, 2000, and 2004. In the WNBA, Staley was a six-time All-Star, further solidifying her legacy in professional basketball.
Transitioning to coaching, Staley has been at the helm of the South Carolina Gamecocks since 2008. Under her leadership, the team has clinched three NCAA Championships in 2017, 2022, and 2024. She also guided Team USA to a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her exceptional contributions to the sport have earned her inductions into both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Notably, Staley is the only individual to have received the Naismith Award as both a player and a coach.
The decision to pen her memoir was influenced by the Gamecocks’ undefeated 38-0 season in 2024, which Staley describes as an “uncommon favor” in her career. She expressed a desire to honor those who have supported her journey and to share the lessons she’s learned about leadership and perseverance. “From my first moment on the court, basketball made me feel like I belonged,” Staley remarked. “This book is my chance to honor the people who have … .” citeturn0search8
“Uncommon Favor” is now available for pre-order through various retailers, including Simon & Schuster. The memoir promises to provide readers with an authentic and inspiring account of Staley’s journey, offering insights into the experiences and values that have shaped her into the trailblazing figure she is today.
For a more in-depth perspective on her new book, you can watch Dawn Staley discuss “Uncommon Favor” in the following video:
videoDawn Staley on her new book, ‘Uncommon Favor’turn0search0
