Breaking: Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley is bringing in WNBA legend Lisa Leslie a 3-time MVP and 4-time Olympic gold medalist, to help develop her frontcourt players and……

I’m honored to join Dawn and her incredible program,” Leslie said. “South Carolina has set the standard in women’s college basketball, and I’m excited to help these young players reach their full……

In a groundbreaking move that blends championship pedigree with elite player development, South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley has enlisted the help of WNBA legend Lisa Leslie to work closely with the team’s frontcourt players. The announcement has sent waves across the college basketball landscape, as two of the sport’s most iconic figures unite in a collaboration that promises to elevate the Gamecocks’ dominance even further.

Lisa Leslie, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, three-time WNBA MVP, and Hall of Famer, will bring her unparalleled experience and leadership to one of the top programs in the nation. Known for her exceptional skills in the post, Leslie will work directly with the Gamecocks’ centers and forwards to refine their footwork, positioning, rebounding, and scoring techniques. With Staley already considered one of the best coaches in the game, adding Leslie to her arsenal signals South Carolina’s continued ambition to lead the college basketball world.

I’m thrilled to welcome Lisa into our program,” said Coach Staley in the official release. “Her resume speaks for itself, but what excites me most is her ability to teach and inspire. Our post players are going to learn from the best to ever do it, and that’s going to be a game-changer.

The move comes at a time when South Carolina is reloading after yet another deep NCAA Tournament run. Known for consistently developing elite frontcourt talent—such as A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and most recently Kamilla Cardoso—Staley’s system thrives on strong, smart post play. By bringing in Leslie, she’s ensuring that the next generation of Gamecock bigs receives mentorship at the highest level.

Leslie expressed her excitement to work with the program in a statement: “Dawn has built something truly special in Columbia, and I’m honored to be a part of it. I’ve always believed in paying it forward, and this is a chance for me to help shape young women not just into great players, but into confident, powerful leaders on and off the court.”

A former star at USC and one of the pioneers of professional women’s basketball, Leslie brings more than just technique—she brings presence, legacy, and a mindset rooted in excellence. She was the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game and has long served as a role model for female athletes around the globe.

This strategic partnership between Staley and Leslie is particularly meaningful. The two legends share a deep history as teammates on the U.S. Olympic Team and have championed many of the same causes throughout their careers: equity, representation, and the empowerment of women of color in sports. Their reunion in Columbia is more than a basketball move—it’s a cultural moment.

Fans and analysts alike are calling this development one of the most impactful off-season moves in recent memory. “It’s hard to imagine a better mentor for young post players than Lisa Leslie,” said ESPN analyst LaChina Robinson. “She understands the position at a level very few ever have. Pair that with Coach Staley’s championship system, and you have the potential for even greater dominance in the paint.

Gamecock players are already energized by the news. One returning forward shared, “This is like getting a master class every day. Lisa Leslie is someone I’ve watched on TV growing up, and now I get to learn from her directly. It’s unreal.”

Though Leslie’s official title within the program is still being finalized, sources say she will serve in a developmental and consulting capacity, working with players during preseason training camps and select practice sessions throughout the year.

The impact of this collaboration is expected to ripple far beyond Columbia. It represents the continued rise in visibility and investment in women’s sports, and the powerful influence of legends returning to nurture the next generation.

As the Gamecocks gear up for the next season, one thing is certain: with Dawn Staley at the helm and Lisa Leslie in the gym, South Carolina’s frontcourt—and their national title hopes—just g

ot a whole lot stronger.