Dawn Staley Shares Her Story of Triumph, Legacy, and Leadership in Upcoming Memoir Uncommon Favor

She’s finally telling the story behind her legendary career — and the life lessons that built her into one of the most respected figures in sports.

Three-time NCAA championship coach, WNBA All-Star, and Olympic gold medalist Dawn Staley is opening up about her extraordinary journey in her first book, Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three, set to be published on May 20 by Charlamagne Tha God’s Black Privilege Publishing, an imprint of Simon & Schuster (People).

A Journey Rooted in North Philadelphia

For Staley, Uncommon Favor is more than a memoir — it’s a reflection on the people and places that shaped her. The book traces her path from the Raymond Rosen Housing Projects in North Philadelphia to becoming one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history.

“From my first moment on the court, basketball made me feel like I belonged,” Staley said in a statement shared with People. “This book is my chance to honor the people who built me up and to show the world what I’ve learned about what it takes to move the room and get things done.”

Born in 1970, Staley was the youngest of five children raised by her mother, Estelle, who worked tirelessly to provide for the family. In interviews, Staley has often credited her mother’s discipline and faith for her success, saying, “My mom’s strength was the foundation of everything I’ve achieved” (The Washington Post).

From the Streets to the Spotlight

Staley’s basketball journey began on the playgrounds of North Philly, where her competitive fire and leadership stood out even as a teenager. She went on to star at the University of Virginia, leading the Cavaliers to three Final Four appearances and earning the Naismith College Player of the Year Award twice.

Her excellence carried over to the global stage. Representing Team USA, Staley won three Olympic gold medals (1996, 2000, 2004) and later coached the U.S. women’s team to another gold at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics (ESPN).

In the WNBA, she became a six-time All-Star and one of the league’s early icons. But it was her transition to coaching — beginning at Temple University and later at the University of South Carolina — that would cement her legacy as a transformative leader.

Building a Dynasty at South Carolina

Since taking over the South Carolina Gamecocks program in 2008, Staley has turned it into a powerhouse, leading the team to three NCAA championships (2017, 2022, and 2024) and multiple Final Four appearances. Her influence has extended well beyond the basketball court.

Under Staley’s leadership, South Carolina became a model of excellence, discipline, and empowerment. She’s known for her hands-on mentorship and for advocating equity in women’s sports — both in pay and visibility. “You have to use your platform to pull others up,” Staley told The Associated Press. “That’s the true measure of winning.”

Her accomplishments also include making history as the only person to win the Naismith Award as both a player and a coach, a feat unmatched in basketball history.

A Trailblazer and a Voice Beyond the Game

Staley’s rise mirrors the evolution of women’s basketball itself — a journey from obscurity to national prominence. Her influence has shaped not only the players she coaches but the sport’s entire cultural narrative.

In 2021, she became the highest-paid Black woman in women’s college basketball, signing a seven-year contract worth over $22 million, a deal she described as a “statement for every woman who deserves to be paid her worth” (ESPN).

Her voice has also resonated on social issues, from racial justice to gender equity. As The Washington Post noted, Staley’s outspokenness “has made her one of the most powerful figures in modern athletics — a symbol of courage and conviction.”

The Power of Storytelling

Black Privilege Publishing expressed pride in bringing Staley’s story to readers around the world. “Beyond her extraordinary accomplishments as a player and coach, she’s known as an inspiring and exemplary leader,” said Jonathan Karp, CEO of Simon & Schuster. “The same winning insights that have produced championship teams will benefit generations of readers.”

Charlamagne Tha God, who founded the imprint to amplify underrepresented voices, added that Staley’s story embodies “grit, faith, and the beauty of never forgetting where you came from.”

More Than a Memoir — A Blueprint for Success

Part memoir, part motivational guide, Uncommon Favor delves into the lessons Staley learned on and off the court — from her mother’s resilience to the challenges of leadership and the importance of community. Readers can expect reflections on her career highs, personal struggles, and the values that continue to drive her.

With her trademark candor, Staley hopes to inspire others to embrace their purpose. “This isn’t just about basketball,” she said. “It’s about life, perseverance, and the people who push you to be uncommon in the best way.”

A Story Still Being Written

Now regarded as one of the greatest coaches — male or female — in NCAA history, Staley remains focused on shaping the next generation. Her book, like her career, is a reminder that greatness is born not just from talent, but from heart and humility.

Uncommon Favor will be released on May 20, 2025, and is currently available for preorder wherever books are sold. For anyone seeking lessons in leadership, resilience, and purpose, Dawn Staley’s story is a must-read.

As People summarized, “Staley’s words carry the same power as her presence — unapologetically strong, deeply human, and undeniably victorious.”