Dawn Staley Named One of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025 In a landmark recognition of her leadership and impact, South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley has been named to TIME magazine’s prestigious…

Dawn Staley Named One of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025

In a landmark recognition of her leadership and impact, South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley has been named to TIME magazine’s prestigious list of the 100 Most Influential People of 2025. The honor places Staley among a diverse and elite group of global changemakers who have shaped culture, advanced progress, and inspired millions over the past year. For the legendary coach, this acknowledgment extends far beyond basketball—it reflects her role as a cultural icon and transformative leader in sports and society.

Staley’s inclusion in the TIME 100 underscores the extraordinary year she and the South Carolina Gamecocks have had. Under her guidance, the team has maintained its status as a dominant force in women’s college basketball, continuing to break records, win championships, and elevate the visibility of the women’s game on a national and global scale. Her coaching excellence, fierce competitiveness, and unwavering commitment to her players have made her a respected figure not just in athletics, but in leadership and mentorship as well.

Beyond her success on the court, Staley has used her platform to advocate for equity, inclusion, and justice. She has consistently spoken out on issues ranging from racial and gender inequality to the importance of investing in women’s sports. Her voice carries weight across industries, and she’s earned respect as someone who doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations. TIME recognized this authenticity and fearlessness as central to her influence.

Staley’s impact can also be seen in the lives of her players, many of whom have credited her for not only shaping their athletic careers but also helping them grow as confident, empowered individuals. She has turned the South Carolina women’s basketball program into a model of excellence, where development off the court is just as important as performance on it. That holistic approach has helped create a lasting culture that resonates across the NCAA.

This year’s TIME 100 list celebrates individuals who have helped shape the future in meaningful ways. Staley stands alongside global leaders, artists, innovators, and activists—all of whom are helping define this moment in history. Her presence on the list highlights how sports can be a powerful tool for cultural change and how coaches, particularly women coaches, can play vital roles in shaping society.

Her journey to this point is also a testament to perseverance and purpose. From her days as a star point guard for the Virginia Cavaliers, to winning Olympic gold as a player and coach, and now building a powerhouse at South Carolina, Staley has never wavered in her mission. She’s proven that leadership is about more than victories—it’s about legacy, representation, and the courage to inspire a generation.

The recognition from TIME is not just a personal milestone—it’s also a win for women’s sports as a whole. It reflects the growing appreciation for female athletes and coaches who are rewriting the rules and demanding visibility and respect. Staley’s success is opening doors for other women in coaching, and her influence is being felt throughout sports at every level.

For the University of South Carolina, this honor also shines a national spotlight on its women’s basketball program. What Staley has built there goes beyond wins and titles—it’s a movement. Her brand of leadership has elevated the school’s profile, rallied the community, and brought a new level of pride and visibility to the university’s athletic achievements.

As Staley continues to chase championships and mentor future stars, her influence only grows. The TIME 100 recognition is just one more chapter in an already legendary career that’s far from over. Whether she’s commanding the sideline, speaking on panels, or supporting social causes, Staley remains a force of nature—committed, passionate, and always pushing for better.

Dawn Staley being named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025 is more than a personal honor—it’s a reflection of the power of authenticity, courage, and vision. She’s a coach, a mentor, an activist, and now officially recognized as one of the most impactful figures of our time.