Dawn Staley Triumphs Over Kim Mulkey to Capture Naismith Coach of the Year in a Surprising Turn of Events
In a development that took the college basketball world by storm, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley has been awarded the prestigious Naismith Coach of the Year honor, edging out Louisiana State University’s Kim Mulkey in what many are calling a surprising — and perhaps controversial — upset. The decision has sparked passionate debate among fans, analysts, and players alike, as two of the sport’s most high-profile and successful coaches were neck and neck in the race for the coveted accolade.
For months, speculation had grown around who would be named the top coach in women’s college basketball. Many believed Kim Mulkey, the outspoken and flamboyant head coach of the LSU Tigers, was a frontrunner. Mulkey led her team to a strong season, building on the momentum of LSU’s national championship in 2023. Her fiery coaching style and high-profile recruiting efforts have made her one of the most visible figures in the game. Supporters argued that Mulkey had once again elevated her program and deserved recognition for continuing to keep LSU in national contention.
But when the announcement came down, it was Dawn Staley — already a two-time winner of the award — who claimed the 2024 Naismith Coach of the Year title. For Staley, this marks yet another feather in an already decorated coaching cap. She has now won the award three times (2020, 2022, and 2024), placing her in rare company and further solidifying her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
So how did Staley manage to snatch the title away from Mulkey in what some have called a “stunning upset”? The answer lies in South Carolina’s remarkable season — a campaign defined by resilience, consistency, and dominance.
A Perfect Regular Season
The Gamecocks, under Staley’s leadership, went undefeated in the regular season, finishing with a perfect 29–0 record. South Carolina not only swept through the SEC but did so in commanding fashion, routinely blowing out ranked opponents and showcasing an elite defense that suffocated even the most high-powered offenses. Despite losing several key players to the WNBA after last season, Staley managed to rebuild and refocus her team, a testament to her leadership and ability to develop new talent.
In fact, many analysts have pointed to the youth and inexperience of this year’s South Carolina roster as one of the most compelling reasons for Staley’s recognition. While Mulkey benefited from a returning core — including star players like Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson — Staley had to retool her lineup, leaning on freshmen and role players who stepped up in big moments.
The result? A team that not only maintained its elite status but arguably improved defensively and in overall chemistry. For voters, this overachievement likely pushed Staley over the top.
A Changing of the Guard?
Some observers have suggested that this award marks more than just a personal victory for Staley — it could also signify a shift in how excellence is recognized in women’s basketball. While Kim Mulkey represents a more traditional and bombastic style of coaching, Staley has been praised for her calm demeanor, focus on player empowerment, and efforts to uplift the entire sport — particularly for Black women in coaching.
Staley, who also serves as head coach for Team USA, has become a vocal advocate for equity in sports and a mentor to a new generation of players and coaches. Her impact goes far beyond the sidelines, and many believe her contributions to the culture of the sport factored into the award decision as well.
That’s not to say that Mulkey doesn’t deserve her share of credit. LSU’s record speaks for itself, and the Tigers remain one of the most talented and entertaining teams in the country. But in the eyes of the Naismith voters, Staley’s accomplishments this season — particularly in the face of roster turnover and sky-high expectations — proved too impressive to ignore.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Let’s take a closer look at the stats that may have influenced the outcome:
- South Carolina’s record: 29–0 in the regular season, with an average margin of victory over 20 points.
- LSU’s record: 26–5 with a few high-profile losses, including to South Carolina.
- Defensive stats: South Carolina ranked in the top three nationally in points allowed, opponent field goal percentage, and rebounding margin.
- Player development: Staley turned several lesser-known players into key contributors, showing her ability to adapt and grow talent.
- Head-to-head: South Carolina defeated LSU during the regular season in a high-profile matchup.
These numbers paint a picture of a coach who got the absolute most out of her team while maintaining elite performance on both ends of the floor.
Reaction Around the Basketball World
The reaction to the announcement has been swift and passionate. Many current and former players took to social media to congratulate Staley, praising her for continuing to set the standard in women’s college basketball. Others, particularly fans of LSU, voiced frustration and surprise that Mulkey did not take home the hardware.
Even some analysts were taken aback. “I thought this was Mulkey’s year,” one ESPN commentator said on air. “But when you really step back and look at the body of work, what Dawn Staley did was absolutely remarkable.”
Still, the so-called “snub” of Mulkey will likely fuel LSU as the postseason heats up. Mulkey has never been one to shy away from controversy or criticism, and you can bet she will use this perceived slight as motivation heading into the NCAA tournament.
A Legacy Cemented
For Dawn Staley, the win is more than just another trophy — it’s a statement about longevity, adaptability, and excellence. She has now won the Naismith Coach of the Year award in three of the last five seasons and shows no signs of slowing down. Her program is a model of sustained success, and her influence is growing beyond just her own team.
Whether this was truly an upset depends on your perspective. Kim Mulkey has built an elite program and is a championship coach in her own right. But this year, in the eyes of the voters, Dawn Staley was simply better — and her third Naismith award may be the most impressive one yet.
