Latest news with #womensbasketball
Fox News
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Fox News
Dawn Staley reveals she rejected Alabama coaching offer before landing job with South Carolina
Dawn Staley left Temple University in her native Philadelphia after the 2007-08 season and was named head coach of the South Carolina women's basketball team. In more than a decade and a half since, Staley has taken the Gamecocks program to unprecedented heights, leading South Carolina to three national titles during her tenure. In her new book, "Uncommon Favor," Staley revealed another SEC school expressed interest in her in 2005. "Alabama came after me first in 2005," Staley wrote. She was coaching at Temple at the time she was approached by Alabama. The Owls finished the 2004-05 season with a 28–4 record and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. While Staley landed in the same conference as the Crimson Tide, she believed South Carolina was the best fit for her family and career. "I visited the campus. I liked the athletic director. But I couldn't see myself living in Alabama," she noted. While Staley didn't care for the idea of moving to Alabama, she said the move to South Carolina meant she would still be joining a league in which several coaches had built legendary careers. "I was drawn to the fact that USC was part of the SEC and its storied legacy in women's basketball," Staley wrote. "Pat Summitt was in this league, Andy Landers, Melanie Balcomb, all these legendary coaches. I was looking to refine my skills, rise to compete with the best. The cherry on top was that my parents were originally from South Carolina." Staley was also eager for a reunion with her mother, Estelle, and her siblings. By all accounts, Staley has become a beloved figure in Columbia, South Carolina's capital city and the home of the Gamecocks. The city recently unveiled an on-campus statue in honor of Staley. Staley reflected on a state embracing her given her complicated history with her family. Estelle left South Carolina decades ago due to racism and discrimination. Staley described the homecoming as a "full-circle moment." "Time is a funny thing, isn't it? That I find myself thriving in the very state that drove my mother into exile is an irony I never forget," Staley wrote. "That she was able to return to her home, her place of belonging, when I came to work at South Carolina was a full-circle moment made possible by social progress, the civil rights movement, myriad changes seismic and small, but also, in large part, by faith." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Angel Reese Set To Drop First Player-Exclusive Sneaker With Reebok In Early June 2025
Since becoming one of the most recognizable names in women's basketball, Angel Reese's star power and influence have only continued to grow. In addition to her sponsorships with global brands, including Beats by Dre, McDonald's, and Reese's, the LSU alum also scored a signature shoe with the sneaker company Reebok. Advertisement Now, as she prepares for the launch of her first player-exclusive (PE) shoe, Angel Reese has given her fans a glimpse of what's to come from her full line in the future. Angel Reese Is Dropping Her First Player-Exclusive Sneaker With Reebok In Early June 2005 In May 2025, Reebok announced that Reese, one of the Chicago Sky's star players, was preparing for the launch of her first player-exclusive sneaker, the Engine A: Pretty Gritty edition. According to Sports Illustrated, Reese's "Pretty Gritty" pink and black cherry colorway is a limited-edition release meant to honor Reese's "grit, determination, and rising influence." Advertisement The pair will be released at 10:00 AM EST on Wednesday, June 4, and will retail for $120. "I'm excited to give fans a glimpse into what's to come in our overall partnership, and we're still just getting started," Reese said in a statement. Angel Reese Signed An NIL Deal With Reebok In College Reese's upcoming Reebok release won't surprise loyal women's basketball fans, as the NCAA champion signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with the brand when she was in college at LSU. 'I am honored to be working closely with one of my longtime mentors, Shaq, along with a brand that I have admired since I was just a little kid. It means the world to me that they trust in me to extend their legacy to a new generation,' Reese said about her partnership with Reebok in 2023. Advertisement 'Together, I think we have a great opportunity to do things differently, to inspire people to explore and express themselves unapologetically, and to show them how to look and feel good while doing it.' The company's CEO spoke about the decision to sign Reese and praised the walking double-double for her "unique mix of unapologetic swagger and style combined with off-the-charts athleticism." "Her individuality and personal irreverence are helping transform college sports and inspiring an entire generation. We're thrilled to be working with Angel and look forward to further imprinting our presence on sports culture together," the CEO added. Shaq Had His Eyes On Signing Angel Reese To Reebok Aside from her impressive skill on the hardwood, Reese's strong relationship with Shaq, Reebok's President of Basketball, was reportedly a key factor in her signing with the brand. Advertisement During a previous interview, the NBA legend discussed his thinking behind adding Reese to the company's roster of high-profile athletes. "For my first appointment in this role, it had to be the GOAT. There is no one making a bigger impact on the game right now than Angel Reese," O'Neal shared. "Angel is shaking up the space, just like Reebok has done all along. I'm proud to welcome Angel into the Reebok family and can't wait to see how she will bring the brand's legacy to the next generation." Reese Is Excited To Be Reebok's Face For Women's Basketball Instagram | Angel Reese While speaking with her fans on social media, Reese detailed why she decided to work with Reebok instead of other major brands, including Nike. Advertisement "One, they didn't have a women's basketball player [who was the] face," she said. "So, I wanted to be that." She also referenced her working relationship with Shaq, who also played basketball at LSU, before saying the final reason is that Reebok is allowing her to control her image. "They're letting me be the creator behind everything that I want to do," she explained. "I'm bringing Reebok back." Reese Has A Signature Shoe Coming In 2026, Plus An Impressive New Logo This upcoming player-exclusive (PE) sneaker, launching June 4th, shouldn't be confused with Reese's exclusive signature shoe, which Reebok announced is set to hit shelves in 2026. Advertisement On May 28, the company unveiled Reese's signature logo: a dazzling capital 'A' that cleverly incorporates an 'R', featuring a halo befitting the star's first name. "Just the beginning," the company captioned the video. "Reebok x Angel: like you've never seen before." Reese also shared her excitement about her new logo and praised the shoe brand for creating a "fire" look for her line of kicks. "It's like my momma named me so perfect because she knew this moment would come!! LOVE LOVE LOVE," she finished.
Fox News
6 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
NBA star Jonathan Isaac weighs in on Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rivalry
The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese continues to ignite the sports world. Clark committed a flagrant foul against Reese earlier this month during the Indiana Fever's first 2025 matchup with the Chicago Sky. The on-court feud between the two basketball stars dates back to their time at the college basketball level. Over the past couple of years, countless sports figures have debated whether the rivalry is beneficial. Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac said he ultimately believes it helps bring attention to women's basketball. "I think it's truly great for basketball. Obviously, the reason it's being pitted like this is because it's great for TV. It sells tickets," Isaac told Fox News Digital on behalf of his Christian apparel brand UNITUS. According to the company's official website, UNITUS' mission "is to inspire and empower people to live in greater unity, freedom, strength, and purpose." Isaac acknowledged the outside factors that are often associated with the Clark-Reese rivalry, but he said it all boils down to what takes place on the basketball court. "Some things I do think get out of hand with some of the commentary on the white vs. the black. I understand there's nuance to that and there's a reality to that as well. But, I think at the basic level it's basketball and rivalries are good for basketball. I think it's been amazing for women's sports. Because of the rivalry, because of Angel Reese, because of Caitlin Clark… [there's been an uptick in the] interest in women's basketball that wasn't completely there before. I'm happy for that. I want to see it play out. I want to see them continue to grow their careers and be the best female basketball players they can be." Reese set the WNBA record for consecutive games with a double-double last season. Clark received WNBA rookie of the year honors last season after averaging 19.2 per contest and appearing in all 40 regular season games. The Fever's game against the Washington Mystics on Wednesday marked the first time in Clark's WNBA that she was listed as inactive. Clark watched the Fever's 83-77 loss from the bench. She is expected to miss the next two weeks due to a left quadriceps strain, the team said. Isaac is familiar with overcoming injuries. He tore his left ACL in Aug. 2020. In March 2023, he had surgery to repair a torn left adductor muscle. He was then forced to sit out for the remainder of 2022-23 season. Isaac was ultimately able to bounce back and appeared in 71 games this past season. Isaac said he's dealt with an onslaught of injuries throughout his NBA career. "The ACL injury was supposed to be a one-year (setback). But one, I had complications. Once everything got patched up, for some reason my hamstring… there's a muscle called the biceps femoris and I tore that and for some reason my hamstring wasn't getting stronger, but my knee was and my quad was. And then in the midst of that I tore my right hamstring while I was sprinting, because I was overcompensating. I came back to the league for 11 games and then tore my groin. Isaac credited his faith, family, and support system for helping get past the string of injuries. "(I) was able to get through it. My faith is a huge part of that, the people I have around me… my wife, my church family, just everyone encouraging me to just stick with it. And this past season I was able to play in 70 games." Isaac, who famously stood for the national anthem while his other colleagues knelt before a game in the bubble in 2020, reportedly agreed to a contract extension in July 2024. Isaac and the Magic agreed to a five-year, $84 million contract extension, ESPN reported at the time. The deal ties the forward with the Magic through the 2028-29 season. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Culture Meets Court: Playa Society, Cash App, and Atlanta Dream Launch One-Of-A-Kind Design
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 22: A general view of the court at State Farm Arena prior to the game ... More between the Atlanta Dream and the Indiana Fever on May 22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Playa Society, a basketball streetwear apparel brand, Cash App, and the Atlanta Dream teamed up on May 22 in the team's home opener against the Indiana Fever with a custom court design, a one of its kind collaboration joining basketball, finance, and fashion to 17,044 fans. The court at State Farm Arena was emblazoned with one of Playa Society's designs 'Pay Some Respect to Women's Sports" indicating the monumental crossover and popularity of the brand within the women's basketball community. During the game, the court design accompanying t-shirt sold out before tip-off and is still sold out on Playa Society's website. The "Pay Some Respect to Women's Sports" associating t-shirt with the Atlanta Dream court ... More collaboration sold out in arena and online on May 22, 2025. The floor collaboration is one of many in the last year couple years that has elevated Playa Society to new heights including working with Cash App, Door Dash, and the WNBA. Playa Society also appeared as a pop-up store with NCAA Women's March Madness beginning with the 2023 Dallas Final Four, and most recently in Tampa for the 2025 Final Four. Playa Society also joined forces with Door Dash and 2025 WNBA overall first round pick to the Dallas Wings, Paige Bueckers. Bueckers was recently named the Creative Director for Door Dash for the 2025 WNBA season and created a t-shirt promoting the past, present and future of the WNBA with Playa Society. The t-shirt donned with the phrase 'Buckets Don't Lie', a nod to Bueckers nickname, sold out within minutes and is still sold out on the Playa Society website. For CEO, founder, and lead designer Esther Wallace the surge of interest in Playa Society has been years in the making. Wallace established Playa Society in 2018 after acknowledging a gap in designs specific for women athletes and women's sports communities. She said, 'When I first started I had the idea and the vision. I knew I wanted to solve for the problem, or fill the gap, essentially, of the missing brand for women in sports, for female athletes, and for the community.' Wallace first began the company with the infamous female athlete t-shirt, it was a proof of concept about the purchasing power of the women sports community. She explained, 'That first t-shirt was proof of concept for me. It was proof of concept for the market as well, because this did not exist. The female athlete t-shirt was the first viral women's sports t-shirt on the market. It was the first t-shirt that a number of athletes were wearing across multiple sports, fitness, and all those things. And in over three years, we sold about 20,000 to 30,000 female athlete t-shirts, hoodies, socks, etc.' Esther Wallace, founder of the apparel company Playa Society, launched the company in 2018 with the ... More female athlete t-shirt and made it her full-time job two years later. From the first t-shirt, Playa Society's growth and development was accelerated by the support from WNBA players themselves who appreciated and began wearing the brand, which led to designing t-shirts for the players. Wallace expounded, 'When I all I had was a female athlete t-shirt, and Candace Parker was on my website buying t-shirts, or Sylvia Fowles, of course, I was going to make them the first players that I put on a t-shirt, because I appreciated their support so much. And now it's a lot of simply keeping up with the demand of the community.' As Wallace described, now her clothing designs reflect meeting the demands of the women's sport and basketball community, as well as drawing and creating clothing that features collegiate and professional women figures that are excelling at their craft (i.e., designing a t-shirt for South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark, 2024 WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson, etc.). Esther Wallace working on designs for her line Playa Society. This includes an exclusive partnership with the WNBA that came early in the company's infancy, 'I was able to have a conversation with the WNBA about what licensing would look like, and that's something that I had dreamed of. So I thought that was going to be something that was five years down the road, not really year three expecting to sit down and have that conversation. And when I did, they came back and they said, 'Yeah, let's do it.' And so it was almost this fast track, and all of a sudden I had to react to the demand, because I didn't necessarily plan to have the WNBA license so early with with such limited experience and limited resources, but I think much like sports, right when you're kind of in the fourth quarter, the demand is there, the pressure is there, you got to show up and show out. And so I think that's really how I've been navigating ever since launching the female t-shirt.' Wallace feels the storytelling and authenticity of the brand and the designs is what has drawn people in. Additionally, Wallace's former playing and coaching experience has allowed her to know her clientele. She elaborated, 'I think I always have to think that it's the product, it's the storytelling, it's the design. And I think the icing on on the cake is that I have a connection. I've seen the game from so many different angles, and I feel like that really plays into the product that I put out.' For fans of the brand they can expect to see Playa Society at the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend with some exclusive drops that Wallace is keeping close to the vest, 'I definitely can't say just yet, but I think it should be out there soon. I think All-Star is going to be a big moment for us. It usually is, and so we're really looking forward to hopefully something really dope at All-Star.' Follow me on X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
CNN
24-05-2025
- Sport
- CNN
Legendary basketball coach thinks Clark-Reese rivalry is good for the game
CNN's Laura Coates speaks with Dawn Staley, one of the most accomplished figures in women's basketball, about the rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlan Clark.
