Podcast Summary: We Can Do Hard Things Episode: Dawn Staley on Knowing (and Demanding) Your Worth Release Date: June 24, 2025
In this compelling episode of We Can Do Hard Things, hosts Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle delve deep into a conversation with the legendary Dawn Staley, NCAA national championship-winning head coach of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. The discussion revolves around Dawn’s personal journey, her unwavering sense of self-worth, leadership principles, and her fight for equality in sports.
Early Life and Personal Anecdotes
Dawn Staley opens up about her upbringing in North Philadelphia, highlighting the significant influence of her mother. She shares a poignant memory from her childhood when her mother emphasized the importance of never being ashamed of where you come from.
Dawn Staley (05:16): “My mom said, never be ashamed of where you grow up... It was more of everybody can be a part of the greatness of the projects.”
Dawn recounts the camaraderie of growing up in the projects, portraying a close-knit community where her mother maintained an immaculate home despite the challenges. She humorously touches on her aversion to wearing socks, a quirky trait that even led to some light-hearted criticism from her players.
Dawn Staley (03:45): “I very rarely wear socks. Isn't that crazy?”
Academic Struggles and Perseverance
Transitioning to her college years at the University of Virginia (UVA), Dawn candidly discusses her academic challenges. Despite being a standout athlete, she faced the threat of being expelled due to poor academic performance in her first year.
Dawn Staley (05:16): “I had a really bad performing first year in the classroom... I almost got kicked out of Virginia.”
Dawn credits her resilience to her competitive spirit, instilled from a young age. Her coach, Debbie Ryan, played a pivotal role in giving her a second chance, encouraging her to apply her competitive nature to her studies just as she did on the court. This shift in mindset helped her utilize available resources effectively, such as tutoring, and ultimately succeed academically.
Dawn Staley (09:15): “Debbie knew the type of fighter I was... I started utilizing the resources to get the results that I needed.”
Transition to Coaching and Leadership Philosophy
Dawn describes her unexpected transition from player to coach. Initially reluctant, she accepted the challenge to turn around Temple University’s women’s basketball program, driven by her desire to give back the same fulfillment basketball had given her.
Dawn Staley (32:28): “I made decisions based on not me... I wanted to give that to somebody because it felt so good that I know I want people to share in that feeling.”
Her coaching philosophy centers around prioritizing the process over individual accolades. Dawn emphasizes the importance of team cohesion, mutual respect, and personal growth. She views coaching not just as a career, but as a platform to influence and uplift young athletes, fostering both their athletic and personal development.
Glennon Doyle (32:05): “I want to talk a little bit about coaching and... your coaching philosophy.”
Fighting for Equality and Equal Pay
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Dawn’s relentless fight for gender equality in sports, particularly regarding equal pay. She shares her personal battle with the University of South Carolina to secure equal compensation compared to her male counterparts, highlighting the systemic disparities that persist in collegiate athletics.
Dawn Staley (46:38): “I wanted equal pay, not equal raises for success. I want what he's making.”
Dawn’s negotiation journey was arduous, spanning several months and involving legal support to advocate for her rightful worth. Her determination was fueled by a broader mission to pave the way for future female coaches and athletes, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and fairly rewarded.
Dawn Staley (52:46): “Sometimes you do have to risk it all.”
Her advocacy extends beyond her personal gain, focusing on creating a more equitable environment for all women in sports. Dawn underscores that successful women’s programs contribute significantly to their institutions' reputation and revenue, challenging the notion that they are less valuable than men’s programs.
Dawn Staley (50:42): “We have sellout crowds... We are revenue producing.”
Personal Struggles and Mental Health
Dawn also shares her personal struggles with mental health, particularly the post-achievement blues she experienced after winning her first Olympic gold medal. She admits to feeling lost and unmotivated, a feeling she overcame by shifting her focus from herself to her team and community.
Dawn Staley (25:18): “It was fun. I loved it. I didn't want to do anything else... I started thinking about them, them, them and team, I kind of snapped out of it.”
Dawn emphasizes the importance of support systems and the transformative power of focusing on others to overcome personal struggles, a lesson she imparts to her players and listeners.
Empowerment Through Service and Standing Up for Worth
Throughout the episode, Dawn advocates for living through service and the significance of standing up for one’s worth. She intertwines her personal narrative with broader societal issues, encouraging listeners to recognize and demand their value in various aspects of life.
Glennon Doyle (53:43): “Taking space is just an act of protest, in a way, an act of revolution. And you are a walking fucking revolution, sister.”
Dawn’s unwavering stance on equity and self-worth serves as an inspiration, urging others to take similar stands in their respective fields. Her journey underscores the intersection of personal development and social justice, illustrating how individual actions can contribute to larger systemic changes.
Closing Thoughts and Inspiration
As the conversation wraps up, Dawn expresses gratitude for the platform provided by the podcast, acknowledging the mutual inspiration between her and the hosts. The episode concludes with a powerful affirmation of self-worth and service to others, leaving listeners motivated to face their own challenges with courage and resilience.
Dawn Staley (54:36): “Your platform reaches so far, and you, unapologetically, you all keep doing what you're doing. You inspire us. You give us stamina to continue to do what we do.”
Key Takeaways:
- Self-Worth and Resilience: Dawn’s journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a revered coach emphasizes the importance of recognizing and demanding one’s worth.
- Leadership and Teamwork: Her coaching philosophy centers on fostering team cohesion and prioritizing process over individual success.
- Advocacy for Equality: Dawn’s fight for equal pay highlights ongoing gender disparities in sports and the broader implications for women’s roles in leadership.
- Mental Health Awareness: Sharing her personal struggles underscores the importance of mental health support and community in overcoming personal challenges.
- Service and Empowerment: The episode advocates for living through service and standing up for one’s value as a means to drive personal and societal change.
This episode serves as a testament to Dawn Staley’s unwavering dedication to excellence, equity, and empowerment, offering profound insights and inspiration for listeners navigating their own hard things.