South Carolina women's basketball head coach Dawn Staley can add another award to her already-crowded trophy case. Although this one might be more special than some of her numerous other ones.
On Wednesday, Coach Staley was officially elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The prestigious academy was founded in 1780, and includes prominent members such as Martin Luther King Jr., Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin and Madeline Albright.
According to South Carolina's official release, the academy is one that "celebrates the excellence of its members and an independent research center convening leaders from across disciplines to address significant challenges."
“Election to the Academy is a rare honor, and the university applauds Coach Staley for earning this distinction,” South Carolina school president Michael Amiridis. “As an innovative coach, educator, mentor, philanthropist and role model, Coach Staley continues to elevate our students, our university and our community.”
The release highlight's Staley's numerous on-court accomplishments, which of course include the like of three national championships, eight Final Four appearances, and three Olympic gold medals.
But it also points out Staley's impacts off the courts, including her work as an advocate for equity in women's sports, developing students off the court, as well as her Dawn Staley Foundation that supports at-risk young children. She also released her bestselling memoir " Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three." in 2025, which was a New York Times bestseller.
Perhaps most impressive is the fact that members to the academy are nominated and elected by their peers.
“The impact she has made in the lives of the countless individuals extends beyond basketball," Gamecock athletic director Jeremiah Donati added. "Coach Staley is a world-class leader and a great humanitarian. She has inspired countless individuals and connects with people in a truly authentic way that makes them feel seen and heard, and never takes for granted what she means to others.”
Staley released her own statement about being given the distinguished honor:
Pretty sure this officially locks in legendary status for @dawnstaley beyond basketball
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) April 22, 2026
🔗: https://t.co/e2y2d9cBUd pic.twitter.com/4eRiLpTdE7
Per South Carolina's release, Staley is one of 252 leaders elected this year, in an academy that features "very few" other sports figures. She joins fellow South Carolina faculty members such as William Hubbard, dean of the Joseph F. Rice School of Law; Susan Cutter, professor of geography; and Nikky Finney, poet and professor of English language and literature.
Not too shabby for a girl from North Philly. Congrats to Coach Staley for the impressive latest award!
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