South Carolina Coaches Dawn Staley and Lisa Boyer Reunite With Former Gamecock Legend and Rising WNBA MVP Contender Aliyah Boston for Special Visit….See
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outh Carolina Coaches Dawn Staley and Lisa Boyer Reunite With Former Gamecock Legend and Rising WNBA MVP Contender Aliyah Boston for Special Visit
In a heartwarming reunion that highlights the powerful legacy of South Carolina women’s basketball, head coach Dawn Staley and associate head coach Lisa Boyer recently reconnected with Aliyah Boston a Gamecock legend and rising star in the WNBA, during a special visit. The meeting wasn’t just a celebration of past accomplishments — it was a powerful reminder of the lifelong bond between coach and player
Aliyah Boston, now a standout with the Indiana Fever has quickly emerged as one of the league’s brightest young stars and a legitimate MVP contender. But before she was dominating in the WNBA, Boston made her mark in Columbia, South Carolina, leading the Gamecocks to a national championship in 2022 and becoming one of the most decorated players in program history.
Her success on the court was shaped in large part by the steady guidance of Dawn Staley and Lisa Boyer. Their recent visit to Boston served not just as a moment to catch up, but also as a symbol of the deep, personal relationships the South Carolina coaching staff continues to maintain with their former players.
Boston has often referred to Staley as her “second mom,” crediting her for building her confidence and shaping her into a leader during her collegiate years. “She made me believe in myself before I even knew how good I could be,” Boston once said. “She didn’t just coach me — she mentored me.”
That bond has remained strong even after Boston’s transition to the professional ranks. Whether it’s a congratulatory message after a career night or an in-person visit like this one, Staley and Boyer continue to support their former players long after graduation. It’s a reflection of South Carolina’s program culture: once a Gamecock, always a Gamecock.
Since being drafted No. 1 overall in the 2023 WNBA Draft, Boston has lived up to and exceeded expectations. She was named theWNBA Rookie of the Year earned All-Star selections in her first two seasons and is now in serious contention for the 2025 WNBA MVP Award
Her impact goes beyond the stats. Boston is a vocal leader, a dominant presence in the paint, and a player who continues to embody the values instilled in her at South Carolina: poise, resilience, and team-first mentality. With her continued growth and the Fever’s improving roster, many believe it’s only a matter of time before she brings her pro team to the postseason spotlight
Staley and Boyer have worked side by side for over two decades, building one of the most respected and consistent programs in college basketball. Their visit to Boston highlights how their influence stretches far beyond campus. It also comes on the heels of Staley’s massive \$25 million contract extension making her the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball — a fitting reward for someone who’s shaped not only athletes, but generations of young women.
For fans of women’s basketball, this reunion is more than a feel-good moment. It represents the strength of a program that prioritizes relationships, character, and mentorship. It’s also a testament to how coaching — when done right — leaves an impact that goes far beyond wins and losses.
As Aliyah Boston continues to rise in the WNBA, she does so with the unwavering support of the coaches who helped mold her into the star she is today. And for Staley and Boyer, moments like these are what truly define success.