Dawn Staley is probably the one who has helped Aliyah Boston excel and reach the level she is at currently during her time in South Carolina. Hence, the Indiana Fever center was the least surprised by Staley receiving her latest honor.

Dawn Staley is officially a part of history after TIME named the 56-year-old as one of the 100 most influential individuals shaping the sports world.

In the most recent episode of the Post Moves podcast, Boston reminded us all just how legendary Staley's career has been following her inclusion on the list, and also said she wishes to be where she is at some point in her career.

"Coach Staley was just named to the icon category of TIME's 100 most influential people in sports. And all I'm going to say is at this point, I don't really know if anyone is surprised, like three-time Olympic gold medallist, six-time WNBA all-star, Hall of Famer." Boston said.

"And honestly, you know, sometimes they say that just because you're a good player, doesn't make you a good coach, but coach Staley defy those odds again. I mean three national championships, multiple coach of the year honours, an Olympic gold medal as a head coach. Like there is nothing that coach Staley can't do." Boston added.

Staley has redefined college basketball and has been a mentor to over a hundred players, some already on their way to the mountaintop, including Boston.

The USC head coach has also signed a $25.25 million contract through the end of the decade, making her the highest-paid coach in the history of women's basketball.

Staley's legacy becomes even more unquestionable as part of the inaugural list. TIME has given women’s sports its due, especially basketball, as a few more generational talents were named alongside Staley.

The WNBA Got the TIME Treatment

TIME also did not forget to honor probably the greatest player to come out of South Carolina under Dawn Staley's tutelage, A'ja Wilson.

It seems like Wilson is breaking records on and off the court almost every other week, recently becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 5,000 points.

She is also the first player in WNBA or NBA history to win a championship, claim the scoring title, and be named Finals MVP, league MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season.

It’s no wonder TIME asks about the Las Vegas Aces star, “Is there any question she’s the best women’s hoops player of all time?”

Alongside the legendary player-coach duo of South Carolina, Caitlin Clark was also included on the list as one of the league's all-time young prospects just in the span of two years, and for her influence in breaking viewership records.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike and Aces head coach Becky Hammon were also included in the star-studded list.

So, do you think there is a player or coach in women's basketball who TIME might have missed out on? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy