By: Vareva Harris, Co-Editor
Vareva@thewoodrufftimes.com
The 2026 NCAA Women’s National Championship marks a defining moment for Dawn Staley, whose leadership as head coach of the women’s basketball program, at the University of South Carolina has built one of the nation’s premier programs. Staley, a three-time national champion head coach (2017, 2022, 2024), has transformed South Carolina into a consistent title contender through elite recruiting, disciplined play, and a culture of excellence. Staley recognizes the importance of focus for herself and her team in pursuit of a fourth title.
Her latest appearance comes on April 5 against Cori Close of University of California, Los Angeles, continuing a legacy of women leading women basketball programs on the sport’s biggest stage.
Staley is among a distinguished list of championship-winning women head coaches including Pat Summitt (Tennessee), Kim Mulkey (Baylor/LSU), Tara VanDerveer (Stanford), Muffet McGraw (Notre Dame), Linda Sharp (USC), Sonja Hogg (Louisiana Tech), Marianne Stanley (Old Dominion), Jody Conradt (Texas), Marsha Sharp (Texas Tech), Sylvia Hatchell (North Carolina), Carolyn Peck (Purdue), and Brenda Frese (Maryland).
Notable finalists include C. Vivian Stringer (Cheyney State, Rutgers), Lisa Bluder (Iowa), Close (UCLA), Gail Goestenkors (Duke), Debbie Ryan (Virginia), Adia Barnes (Arizona), and Sherri Coale (Oklahoma).
Together, these milestones underscore the lasting and growing impact of women’s leadership in NCAA Division 1 women’s college basketball programs.
