PHOENIX — A formal changing of the guard is unnecessary when the new ruler has already claimed the throne. Dawn Staley's reign over women's basketball is only intensifying, a reality that is clearly grating for the coach who long held court.
Following UConn's semifinal loss to South Carolina, Geno Auriemma cited a lack of pre-game handshake as a point of frustration. Yet this minor irritant seems to mask a larger, decade-long shift in power. Auriemma and UConn cling to their status as "the standard," but their grip has loosened despite 30 years of dominance featuring 24 Final Fours and 12 national titles.
Pulling away that grip is Staley, who has molded South Carolina into a new standard-bearer in her own image. No program has been better over the past decade. The Gamecocks are in their third straight championship game, facing UCLA. Their numbers echo vintage UConn: six consecutive Final Fours as No. 1 seeds, a 206-15 record over six years, and a pipeline of talent to the WNBA that rivals the Huskies' best.
Staley's influence extends beyond wins. Playing for her gives athletes a professional edge and credibility with WNBA coaches. This rise is a lot for anyone to absorb, especially a figure like Auriemma, whose longevity defines an era that included rivals like Pat Summitt, Tara VanDerveer, and Muffet McGraw.
"This is their sixth Final Four," Auriemma noted. "This is our 17th out of 18 years. Pretty hard to avoid 'em." Yet he won't get past Staley, who is poised to win her fourth national title, which would tie her for third all-time.
Staley's power is multifaceted. She built a fervent fanbase in Columbia, rivaling UConn's national support, and expertly wields media influence. She advocates fiercely for her team, challenging narratives and perceived slights, understanding that the battle extends beyond the court.
The aftermath of a 2023 Final Four loss fueled an undefeated 2024 championship run, cementing her status. While Auriemma's recent frustrations draw headlines, the core story is Staley's program sprinting away from UConn's shadow, establishing a new, powerful standard for the sport.