Upon hearing the name Dawn Staley, sports lovers instantly think of the 53-year-old’s boundless list of accolades as a professional basketball player and coach. At just five foot six inches, Staley is notably shorter than most of her competitors, but she never let that stand in the way when dominating on the court or demonstrating her leadership skills. The Philadelphia-born athlete is the current Carolina Gamecocks head coach, as well as the highest-paid Black coach in women’s basketball, according to Women’s Health. Her reputation in the basketball world precedes her, but because she’s so focused on her career, many have grown curious about Dawn Staley’s wife or husband– if she has one.
Before being drafted to the WNBA in 1999, the American Basketball Hall of Fame inductee played on teams overseas in France, Italy, Brazil and Spain. Even with all her worldly adventures, we know very little about Staley’s romantic past. In fact, the only person she’s been associated with publicly is Gamecocks associate head coach, Lisa Boyer.
Who Is Lisa Boyer?
Much like Staley, not much is known about her co-worker’s personal life. However, there’s plenty to say about what she’s done for women’s basketball outside of working with the Gamecocks. She grew up in Ogdensburg, New York and later went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science from Ithaca College; there, she played on the school’s team as a standout forward.
A few years after graduating in 1979, Boyer returned to the classroom, obtaining her Masters of Education from UNC Greensboro in 1982. She worked as head coach of the Bradley Braves from 1986 to 1996, and also like Staley, she’s been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Staley’s Twitter Exchange With Her Colleague Raises Eyebrows
In 2018, Boyer’s warm-hearted tweet to her longtime friend raised a few eyebrows, mostly because it had people thinking she might be Dawn Staley’s wife. “What Dawnnie?!?! 10 years!!! Went by in a blink. Laughs, tears, joys, disappointments, heartaches and victories. BUT, always shoulder to shoulder,” the former wrote on Twitter/X while celebrating Staley’s tenth anniversary as head coach. “Been a ton of fun so let’s get the next 10 started!!! #YouAlreadyKnow #LoyalIsNameOfGame,” her sweet tribute post said.
To this, Staley replied, “Boyer!! We are that old married couple who started young and will grow old together. You put the ride and die in the RIDE and DIE!” Those less familiar with the women’s working relationship automatically assumed they’re romantically involved, but others think the former WNBA star simply sees her colleague as a “work wife” – someone who makes professional obligations more of a pleasure with their presence.
“Proud of you, Boyer. Thanks for sacrificing your career to help me serve our teams, program, university and state. What a ride?!” Staley also said at the time. The years since have continued to be successful for everyone on the Carolina Gamecocks, largely due to the fluid, results-achieving dynamic that Staley and Boyer have developed over more than a decade.
Is Dawn Staley Married?
There have been a lot of questions about whether the University of Virginia grad has a significant other. For now, it looks like basketball is the main love in Dawn Staley’s heart, though the sport has obviously allowed her to connect with hundreds of amazing women as both a player and coach over the years. Even without a husband or wife, the former pro-athlete lives a life full of hard work, fun and a desire to help others grow.