When it comes to her players, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley is all business—and everyone knows it. She’s built a reputation for being fiercely protective, demanding, and incredibly supportive of the athletes who wear the Gamecocks jersey. So, when one of her own, Sania Feagin, heard her name called during the WNBA Draft, Staley was one of the first to celebrate the moment with genuine pride and joy.
Feagin, a hardworking forward known for her versatility and defensive toughness, was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks—one of the WNBA’s most storied franchises. The selection marks a huge step forward in her basketball journey and serves as a testament to the culture Staley has cultivated at South Carolina. With her intense coaching style, attention to detail, and deep investment in her players’ futures, it’s no surprise Feagin developed into a WNBA-caliber athlete under Staley’s watch.
Social media exploded with congratulations for Feagin, but what stood out even more was the buzz around Staley’s visible excitement. Though she’s known for her stoic, no-nonsense approach on the sidelines, fans saw a different side—one that beams with pride when her athletes achieve their dreams. “Coach Staley doesn’t play when it comes to her girls,” one fan posted. “Sania’s success is her success, too.”
Feagin’s selection by the Sparks isn’t just a personal victory—it’s another shining moment for South Carolina’s powerhouse program and proof that Coach Staley continues to shape the next generation of elite WNBA talent.
