Dawn Staley grew up in a very competitive household that prepared her for whatever the outside world would throw at her - but nothing could have readied her for being a female basketball player in the early ’90s. The WNBA was non-existent, players did not have many career opportunities to compete professionally, but Staley was determined. She played overseas, worked odd jobs, and kept her head in the game, but not even she could have predicted the road that would lead her to South Carolina. After years of playing and coaching, Staley had witnessed various degrees of inequity, but this year '2021" she changed the sport and the trajectory for women to follow her. With the new season gearing up to start this month, it is game on as usual for the University of South Carolina Women Basketball team, but off-the-court Dawn Staley has already won! During this episode, Staley speaks openly about her journey and what it took to get her here, and the risk involved-one thing is for certain; she earned this moment. Now back to the game.Learn More: University of South Carolina Women's BasketballStay connected @CariChampion @staley05Share your favorite part of the show with us: @nakedwithcarichampion  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.