Dawn Staley: South Carolina coach Dawn Staley encourages fans to be their "authentic self" after the release of her autobiography

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley encourages fans to be their "authentic self" after the release of her autobiography

Modified May 31, 2025 19:55 GMT

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Dawn Staley's memoir hit the shelves on May 20, and the South Carolina coach is connecting with fans who are reading her life story. AUM coach Ashleé Phillips posted on X to thank Staley for her inspirational book.

Staley has been interacting with readers of "Uncommon Favor" on social media since the book came out. One fan laughed at a relatable childhood moment the Gamecocks coach shared in her memoir.

Readers are offering their insight on "Uncommon Favor," and Staley has been sharing her reaction to their thoughts.

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley's "Uncommon Favor"

In February, Dawn Staley announced on Instagram that she was working on her debut book, titled "Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother and Life Lessons I learned from All Three."

On May 7, the South Carolina coach shared the exciting news that she has been working on its audiobook version, allowing fans to hear her life story in her voice. On the day of the book's release (May 20), Staley appeared on ABC TV program "The View" to promote her memoir.

"Uncommon Favor" includes stories from her childhood in Philadelphia, Staley's time playing and coaching basketball and her relationship with her late mother.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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