Former South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball Head Coach Susan Walvius now CEO of SHEEX sent words of Encouragement to Dawn Staley Concerning the develop…
Former South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball head coach and co-founder of SHEEX, Susan Walvius, recently shared heartfelt words of encouragement for current head coach Dawn Staley, recognizing the remarkable development of the program under her leadership.
Walvius, who led the Gamecocks from 1997 to 2008, knows firsthand the challenges and dedication required to build a winning culture in collegiate basketball. Under her tenure, the program saw significant growth, including a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2002—the first in school history at the time. Now watching from a different court, Walvius applauded Staley’s continued commitment to excellence and the standard she has set for women’s basketball nationally.
In a statement shared through her company SHEEX, which she co-founded after her coaching career, Walvius expressed pride and admiration:
“What Dawn has accomplished at South Carolina is nothing short of extraordinary. She has elevated the program to new heights, instilled a culture of excellence, and inspired a new generation of athletes. As someone who laid some of the early bricks, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see the house being built so beautifully.”
Walvius went on to praise Staley not just for her tactical prowess, but for her ability to mentor, lead, and shape young women both on and off the court. She acknowledged how the program has grown into a national powerhouse, consistently competing for championships and producing top-tier talent for the WNBA.
“Every coach dreams of leaving a program better than they found it,” Walvius added. “What Dawn has done goes beyond that. She’s created a legacy. She’s shown what’s possible with vision, perseverance, and heart.”
The show of support from Walvius adds another layer of legacy and unity within the Gamecocks’ family. While their coaching eras never overlapped, the mutual respect between two strong leaders of the same program speaks volumes about the culture and continuity South Carolina has nurtured.
With Dawn Staley at the helm and the foundation laid by coaches like Susan Walvius, the Gamecocks’ women’s basketball program continues to thrive—and inspire.