South Carolina's Dawn Staley Wins 2022 Naismith Women's Coach of the Year

For the second time, Dawn Staley is the Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year.

The South Carolina coach won the profession's top honor Wednesday for the second time in three years. She's led the Gamecocks to a 33-2 record and a second straight Final Four appearance.

The South Carolina program has been built in Staley's image since her arrival in 2008, growing from an SEC also-ran to one of the sport's biggest powers. South Carolina has made at least the Sweet 16 in each of the last eight NCAA tournaments; this will be the seventh time in nine seasons the team has finished with five or fewer losses.

This year's iteration is built around a dominant inside presence in Aliyah Boston and steady guard play from Destanni Henderson. The rest of the roster accentuates the two stars, playing some of the most disciplined defense in college basketball. South Carolina allowed a total of 54 points in its first two NCAA tournament wins and has held three of its four opponents to 50 or fewer points.

Staley has led South Carolina to four Final Fours, winning the 2017 national championship. The Gamecocks look to make their second title game Friday when they take on Louisville.