Dawn Staley gets her bag in historical fashion

South Carolina's head women's basketball coach Dawn Staley has signed a contract extension, making, her the sport's highest-paid coach. Staley will remain at the school through 2029-30.

The total value of the contract is $25.25 million, including a $4 million annual salary, a $500,000 signing bonus and a $250,000 escalator every season. LSU's Kim Mulkey and UConn's Geno Auriemma are the only other women's coaches making more than $3 million a season.

Under Staley's leadership, the South Carolina women's basketball team has achieved tremendous success.  The accomplishments include multiple SEC regular season and conference titles, six Final Four trips, and three national championship titles, as well as multiple Coach of the Year awards.   Numerous WNBA draft picks have resulted from her consistently developing top-tier talent.  Her impact on the program has elevated the team's performance but also increased its visibility and prestige in women's college basketball.

With the contract extension, Staley is poised to continue building on this legacy, attracting top recruits and further solidifying South Carolina's reputation as a powerhouse in women's college basketball. Her proven track record and commitment to excellence suggest that the team will remain competitive on the national stage for years to come. Fans and players alike are optimistic about the program's future, anticipating more championships and further growth in the coming seasons.   Congratulations   coach!