The Gamecocks coach and a basketball legend opens up about her life, career, and faith in ‘Uncommon Favor,’ set for release on May 20.
COLUMBIA, S.C. β When you have a resume detailed with Hall of Fame credentials, it is a matter of time before that person is either motivated from within or prodded by those outside to write a book, and that time is now for Dawn Staley.
Long before she won three national championships in South Carolina, Staley played at a high level for Virginia, the Charlotte Sting, and Team USA in the Olympics.Β
But her story started in Philadelphia, where she was born. Her love for that city and the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles has long been documented, and readers will discover her many experiences over the years, beyond the championships, in Staley’s new book.
On Friday, Staley announced on social media that her book, “Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother and Life Lessons I learned from All Three,” will be available on May 20. The book details Staley’s journey from growing up in the Philadelphia projects to reaching the top of the college basketball mountain on three occasions and earning numerous Olympic Gold Medals for Team USA.
Writing a book is a huge challenge that Staley has avoided until now.
“Number one I just got tired of people asking me,” Staley said Friday when asked about the timing of this book.
“Two, I had to do it before I forgot everything and three, I think the season that we had last year made me really thankful for what I described as an uncommon favor or career.”
Before each season, a theme for that particular season is unveiled and “Uncommon” is the theme of Gamecock women’s basketball for this 2024-2025 season. It comes on the heels of last year’s undefeated season, which was capped off by Staley’s third national title. The book’s title is a nod to last season’s theme and a reminder of Staley’s belief in God’s blessings, which Staley has talked about on the record in numerous high-profile settings.Β
