Before taking the helm of the South Carolina women’s basketball program, Dawn Staley declined the head coaching position at Alabama. This revelation appears in her book, Uncommon Favor, where she discusses her career trajectory and family insights. Staley’s hesitance about moving to Alabama stemmed from her initial visit and the discomfort of envisioning life there.

“Alabama came after me first in 2005,” Staley documented. “I visited the campus. I liked the athletic director. But I couldn’t see myself living in Alabama.”

At that time, she was at Temple, where they went undefeated in the A-10 regular season. After leading Temple to several NCAA Tournament appearances, Staley sought a location that would allow her to compete nationally. When the South Carolina position became available, her interest was rekindled.

“I was drawn to the fact that USC was part of the SEC and its storied legacy in women’s basketball,” she noted. Staley’s roots in South Carolina made her decision not only a professional goal but a personal journey, culminating in fulfilling her family’s story that had begun in Alabama long ago, ultimately making her return to South Carolina a significant milestone.

This year, the city of Columbia unveiled a statue honoring Staley, highlighting her achievements and milestone moments, expressed beautifully in her reflections on past experiences and progress in society.