

Dawn Staley - The Championship Mindset - [Glue Guys, EP.46]
Jul 10, 2025
Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks and three-time Olympic gold medalist, shares her remarkable journey from North Philadelphia to coaching greatness. She discusses her new book, her 'dream merchant' philosophy, and insights on leadership and modern parenting challenges. Staley opens up about the dynamics of player-parent relationships in the NIL era and reflects on lessons learned from her 2024 undefeated championship team. The conversation highlights resilience, effective communication, and the importance of mentorship in sports.
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Fun, Untraditional Championship Team
- Dawn Staley's 2024 national championship team taught her that there are multiple paths to success.
- The team was fun-loving, communicative, and pushed her coaching style to be more flexible.
Consistency Builds Trust
- Build consistent trust with players and parents by repeating expectations and maintaining open communication.
- Use facts, production, and respect to handle emotional reactions regarding playing time and roles.
Inclusive Communication with Parents
- Include parents, trainers, and others involved in a player's life to align messaging and support.
- Maintain relationships with all parties through transparent and ongoing communication to avoid conflicting voices.