Madeline Kenney Dawn Staley set example with classy handling of Geno Auriemma’s Final Four blowup By Madeline Kenney Published April 4, 2026, 9:13 p.m. ET South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley speaks to the media during a press conference at the Final Four National Championship Practice at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images PHOENIX — South Carolina coach Dawn Staley refused to bend.
Not to pressure. Not to personalities nor pedigree.
She had every right to be peeved about UConn coach Geno Auriemma’s emotional outburst that soured the ending of South Carolina’s 62-48 national semifinal win.
She would’ve been well within her rights to tell her side of the fiery spat with Auriemma, especially because his antics overshadowed the Gamecocks’ defensive showcase.
