South Carolina Gamecocks head coach and proud Philadelphia native Dawn Staley took the stage over the weekend at Fanatics Fest in New York City, where she joined a star-studded panel featuring several prominent NFL coaches and players.

Staley didn’t just bring her championship resume to the panel; she showed up with her trademark honesty and vibe that fans love. While chatting with the crowd, she let them in on one of her personal habits, sharing a superstition she swears by during the Philadelphia Eagles football season.

Staley is a legendary figure in basketball, known both for her standout playing career and her success as a coach.

As a player, she was a three-time Olympic gold medalist, WNBA All-Star, and one of the best point guards in college basketball history at the University of Virginia. After her playing days, she took her love for the game into coaching, first at Temple and then at the University of South Carolina, where she built a powerhouse program that has won multiple national championships, including an undefeated title run in 2024.

Staley is also a respected leader and advocate, known for championing social justice, equality in sports, and mentoring young athletes. Her impact on and off the court has made her one of the most influential figures in sports today.