Dawn Staley credited her unwavering trust in A’ja Wilson as a key factor in Team USA’s Olympic triumph. Speaking with former First Lady Michelle Obama, Staley admitted her strong belief in Wilson’s ability.
Wilson’s dominant performance and leadership became the backbone of the squad’s success, securing gold in a fiercely contested tournament. Staley’s deliberate choice to lean on Wilson’s talent underscored her pivotal role in leading the United States to victory on the global stage.
Dawn Staley’s Bold Reliance on A’ja Wilson Pays Off with USA’s Olympic Triumph
Dawn Staley has never shied away from making tough choices, and during her tenure as head coach of the U.S. women’s basketball team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, one decision stood out as pivotal.
Reflecting on the experience in a conversation with former First Lady Michelle Obama, Staley described the pressure she faced early in her Olympic coaching role.
“I’m the Black coach, first time Black coach,” she said. “So I experienced something I’ve never experienced in my life. Like I was paralyzed. Like what? I can’t do this. And you feel the pressure because you got to perform. You can’t be the one that dethrones the success that USA has had.”
After exhibition losses to Australia and the WNBA All-Stars, Staley decided she had to “do it my way.” That meant leaning heavily on A’ja Wilson, who was making her Olympic debut.
“If A’ja Wilson is the player that I’m most comfortable with, well, I want to put her in the starting lineup and we’re just going to pivot and go from there,” she explained.
She called that choice her “safe house” and committed to building the team’s approach around it. Her decision required difficult conversations. Staley spoke directly with the players she was moving out of the starting lineup to make room for Wilson.
“She probably didn’t like the conversation, but I was truthful and honest because ultimately I just wanted her to be okay or be in a position where she can help us win a gold medal,” she said.
She also addressed younger players, warning that they might not see much court time.
“I hope you use this opportunity to learn,” she told them. “Don’t let this be an opportunity that you get, you’re mad and you’re in your emotions, you got to learn.”
That forthright approach set the tone for Tokyo, where Wilson thrived. She started all six games, averaging 16.5 points and 7.3 rebounds, and helped secure Staley’s first Olympic gold medal as a head coach.
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Staley’s trust in Wilson extended beyond the national team. Since starring at South Carolina under Staley, Wilson has seen the Gamecocks’ women’s program win two more NCAA titles, complete a 43-game win streak, and go undefeated in 2023-24.
By the Paris 2024 Olympics, Staley was no longer coaching but was in attendance as a supporter and member of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Committee. Wilson again led the way, averaging 18.7 points and 10.2 rebounds to earn MVP honors and help the United States claim its eighth straight gold medal.
The foundation of trust Staley built with Wilson in 2020 continued to pay dividends, proving that bold choices grounded in belief can shape championship legacies.