In a jaw-dropping twist that has sent shockwaves through the women’s college basketball world, South Carolina’s Dawn Staley has been named the 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year, stunning fans and pundits alike who expected LSU’s Kim Mulkey to walk away with the honor. Mulkey, the flamboyant and polarizing head coach of the Tigers, had been the overwhelming favorite after leading LSU to another dominant regular season and a deep postseason run. But when the envelope was opened and Staley’s name was read aloud, the room erupted — half in applause, half in disbelief.
This wasn’t just a routine award announcement. It was a moment that symbolized a seismic shift in the narrative of the sport. While Mulkey had been making headlines for her designer outfits, bold press conference statements, and a roster stacked with All-American talent, Staley had been methodically and masterfully guiding a young, often underestimated South Carolina team through one of the toughest schedules in the nation — and emerging unscathed.
With South Carolina finishing the season undefeated and cutting down the nets as national champions, Staley’s resume was impossible to ignore. Her squad entered the year with major question marks after losing several stars to the WNBA, yet under her steady hand, the Gamecocks didn’t just survive — they soared. Every challenge was met with poise, every doubter silenced with dominance. Staley’s Gamecocks didn’t just win; they demoralized opponents, combining stifling defense with unselfish offense and relentless intensity.
The award announcement also highlighted the growing divide between two of the sport’s biggest personalities. Mulkey, never one to bite her tongue, had made waves all season with fiery postgame rants, viral sideline moments, and a sense of showmanship that either delighted or disgusted fans, depending on who you asked. Her LSU team, boasting stars like Flau’jae Johnson and Angel Reese, often found itself in the headlines — for better or worse.
And yet, it was Staley, the embodiment of calm confidence, who walked away with the sport’s top coaching honor. She took a team of underclassmen and molded them into a force of nature. She trusted her system, believed in her players, and never flinched, even as the spotlight often swiveled toward Baton Rouge. In doing so, she not only reminded the country of her coaching brilliance but also underscored what real leadership looks like.
This wasn’t the first time Staley and Mulkey were pitted against each other in the court of public opinion, but it may have been the most definitive verdict yet. The Naismith Award committee cited South Carolina’s undefeated season, the development of young stars, and Staley’s ability to maintain a championship culture despite massive roster turnover as key factors in their decision. One voter reportedly called it “the best coaching job I’ve seen in a decade.”
Mulkey, for her part, didn’t take the news quietly. In a post-award press conference, she congratulated Staley but couldn’t resist a jab, saying, “I guess style points don’t count anymore, huh?” She went on to defend her program’s record and suggested that off-court narratives may have played a role in the decision. “Look, we win a lot. We compete. We bring eyes to the sport. And sometimes, that rubs people the wrong way,” she said, with a signature smirk.
But for many in the basketball world, the award felt like justice — or at least recognition of a coach who often lets her work speak for itself. Dawn Staley has never needed glitter or glitz to make an impact. Her authenticity, player-first mentality, and impeccable basketball mind have made her a beloved figure and a powerful force in both college basketball and the larger sports landscape. And now, she adds another Naismith Award to her already glittering résumé.
Social media exploded in the moments following the announcement. “Dawn Staley just coached the best season in modern women’s basketball history. How was this even up for debate?” tweeted one analyst. Others were quick to defend Mulkey, arguing that without her, LSU wouldn’t be anywhere near its current stature. “Say what you want about Kim Mulkey, but she puts women’s basketball in the headlines every week,” one fan posted. “This sport needs both of them.”
Indeed, the Mulkey vs. Staley dynamic has become one of the sport’s most captivating storylines. They are yin and yang — chaos and control, flash and fundamentals, spectacle and substance. And while both have their own methods and merits, this time, it was Staley’s quiet storm that won out over Mulkey’s Category 5 hurricane.
For Staley, the award is just the latest chapter in a coaching legacy that continues to grow. From her days building the Temple program from scratch, to her current dynasty at South Carolina, she has always been about more than just winning. Her influence stretches into social justice, player empowerment, and mentorship, both on and off the court. Her players speak of her with reverence. Her peers watch her with admiration. And her results speak louder than any press conference ever could.
As the dust settles and both coaches look ahead to next season, one thing is certain — the rivalry is far from over. Mulkey will come back with a vengeance, and the spotlight will never stray far from her orbit. But for now, the crown belongs to Dawn Staley. In a season filled with hype, headlines, and high drama, it was her quiet excellence that rose above it all.
And in the end, the Naismith Award wasn’t just about the best coach this season. It was about reminding the world what greatness truly looks like. Dawn Staley, once again, is the standard.