Lisa Leslie on hand to cheer on best friend Dawn Staley, South Carolina in March Madness
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Lisa Leslie, former Los Angeles Sparks three-time MVP and four-time Olympic gold medal winner, was in the stands Friday to watch one of her “best friends in the world” coach a women's NCAA Tournament game.
It was the first time Leslie has watched South Carolina's Dawn Staley, her teammate through four Olympic Games, coach in March Madness. The Gamecocks are in their 13th NCAA Tournament under Staley. On Friday, the reigning national champions beat No. 16 Tennessee Tech 108-48 in a first-round game.
"Why today? It just worked out. My kids are on spring break," Leslie said.
Leslie attended a South Carolina game against Michigan in Las Vegas early this season, but being in Columbia for March Madness presented a different atmosphere.
“What she's done for this program,” Leslie told USA TODAY Sports, “obviously, this community, and built this up, and what the impact she's had on women's basketball worldwide, and through the Olympics, you know, being one of my teammates and then becoming a coach, she's outstanding.”
Leslie and Staley went 60-0 together while part of the U.S. Olympic team from 1996-2008. They learned a lot about each other and created lifelong friendships.
“You get to know a person," Leslie said, "the kind of person that they are, how they show up, you know a person during tough times because it was tough, and you helped each other through that. So it really is like a family of sisterhood in a way.”
This sisterhood spans generations, and it is one that isn't lost on Leslie.
“There's been so many women that have come before, and I love that Dawn never forgets that,” Leslie said.
Leslie delivered a final message to Staley as she left after Friday's game: “Keep doing what you're doing. She's great. She's amazing. Bettering women.”
Dylan Clearfield is a student in the University of Georgia's Sports Media Certificate program.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lisa Leslie talks Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball
Topics
-
What South Carolina's Dawn Staley said when her dog Champ got his March Madness gift
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley called her dog Champ into the news conference at Women's March Madness media on Thursday to see his new gift.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
What will Dawn Staley wear for Women's March Madness opener? Her players have thoughts
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley hasn't picked out her outfit for her Women's March Madness opener yet, but her players want to weigh in.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
South Carolina women's basketball super fan Plies gifts Dawn Staley gem-studded chain
The rapper Plies is a Dawn Staley and South Carolina women's basketball super fan. He gifted the coach a gem-studded chain ahead of March Madness.Yahoo Sports - 11h -
Dawn Staley's dog gets unexpected gift from Women's March Madness opponent
Tennessee Tech women's basketball coach Kim Rosamond arrived ready for March Madness, including a nameplate for South Carolina coach Dawn Staley's dog.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
2025 women's March Madness coaches who played in WNBA, from Dawn Staley to Kara Lawson
From South Carolina's Dawn Staley to Duke's Kara Lawsn, meet the 2025 March Madness coaches who played in the WNBA after starring as college players.Yahoo Sports - 21h -
Barack Obama March Madness bracket: Former President picks Dawn Staley, South Carolina to win
Former President Barack Obama released his men's and women's March Madness brackets on Thursday, with South Carolina winning the women's side. Here's more:Yahoo Sports - 1d -
How to watch the women’s March Madness first-round games on Friday: Schedule, odds and storylines
South Carolina looks to cut the championship nets for the third time in four seasons. Its title defense begins Friday, with Dawn Staley’s top-seeded Gamecocks one of 32 women’s basketball teams ...Yahoo Sports - 21h -
Women's March Madness 2025: South Carolina's Dawn Staley, USC's Lindsay Gottlieb criticize selection committee
Not every NCAA Tournament team was happy with the bracket revealCBS Sports - 4d -
Staley: S. Carolina deserves No. 1 overall seed
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley lobbied for her team following a dominant run through the SEC tournament, culminating in a rout of No. 1 Texas in Sunday's championship game.ESPN - Mar. 9
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Nebraska softball opens conference series against Minnesota with 8-0 shutout victory
Nebraska returned home to host Minnesota on Friday night. The Huskers shut down the Golden Gophers, delivering a swift 8-0 six-inning shutout win.Yahoo Sports - 33m -
Report: Steelers hosting Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon II for pre-draft visit
The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing in power-running back Ollie Gordon II for pre-draft visit.Yahoo Sports - 33m -
Angel Reese offers advice to childhood friend playing in women's NCAA Tournament
Angel Reese isn't in the women's NCAA Tournament this year, but she offered advice to her childhood friend, Southern's Aniya Gourdine.Yahoo Sports - 33m -
Portland takes on Boston, looks for 5th straight victory
Yahoo Sports - 33m -
Portland takes on Boston, looks for 5th straight victory
Yahoo Sports - 33m
More in Sports
-
Nebraska softball opens conference series against Minnesota with 8-0 shutout victory
Nebraska returned home to host Minnesota on Friday night. The Huskers shut down the Golden Gophers, delivering a swift 8-0 six-inning shutout win.Yahoo Sports - 33m -
Report: Steelers hosting Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon II for pre-draft visit
The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing in power-running back Ollie Gordon II for pre-draft visit.Yahoo Sports - 33m -
Angel Reese offers advice to childhood friend playing in women's NCAA Tournament
Angel Reese isn't in the women's NCAA Tournament this year, but she offered advice to her childhood friend, Southern's Aniya Gourdine.Yahoo Sports - 33m -
Cleveland takes on Utah, looks to halt 4-game skid
Yahoo Sports - 33m -
Oklahoma City faces Los Angeles on 5-game win streak
Yahoo Sports - 33m