Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned From All Three

by Dawn Staley

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

For the first time, Dawn Staley shares powerful and inspiring stories that have shaped her journey on and off the court.

A three-time Olympic gold medalist, six-time WNBA All-Star, and the first person to win the Naismith College Player of the Year award as both a player and coach, Staley has shattered expectations at every level of the game. While her name resonates with both longtime WNBA fans and newcomers, she has kept her personal life private.

Uncommon Favor reveals the journey that led to Staley’s success, including the challenges she faced. From dealing with sexism on the court to feeling isolated in new environments, Staley honed her skills and learned valuable life lessons about mental fortitude and maturity that have grounded her throughout her career. Beginning with her humble origins on the North Philadelphia basketball court and her rise to national fame at the University of Virginia—where she led her team to three Final Fours—Staley recounts the key moments that shaped her winning mindset.

Staley’s iconic career in the WNBA and her groundbreaking coaching journey at the University of South Carolina highlight the milestones and turning points that have defined her success, both on and off the court. Fearless and authentic, Uncommon Favor shares the rewards of leading with conviction and the courage to redefine the limits of what is possible.

Audible Audio

Published May 20, 2025

Reviews

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an incredibly written memoir. I would highly recommend the audiobook, which is narrated by the legend, Dawn Staley, herself. She shows why she is an inspiration to women and such a powerful leader.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I'm a WNBA fan (MN Lynx), and I know Dawn Staley is the very successful head coach on the SEC South Carolina Women's Gamecocks, I was interested in listening to her story. Here are some key quotes that resonated with me, and a story that was near and dear to my heart since my Dad had Alzheimers.
* "You have to do, what you don't want to do, to get what you want"
* "Treat people good, they'll treat you beter"
* "Process is nothing without belief"

The story shared was about taking her Mom to a neurologist, where she ultimately received an Alzheimer's diagnosis. She talked about the request from the Dr for her Mom to draw a circle that she would then have to place the numbers for the face of a clock. She drew a semi-circle and the numbers literally were on top of one another. I remember this same test my Dad did - he drew his circle the size of a quarter, and therefore could not fill in the full face of the clock.

An inspirational story of a woman who fought for, and won, equal pay the same as the men's South Carolina Gamecocks basketball coach! Great job, Dawn!! Thanks for sharing your story!!

[Michael Allred · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the book. I wanted to know more about her family because she might possibly be my cousin. My Great Grandmother maiden name is Staley and she was from South Carolina like Dawn parents. I was a fan of Dawn ever since her playing days in college. I only recently found out in 2020 that I have a relative with the same last name 🙂. I learned from reading the book the struggles that Dawn had to overcome to become who she is. I recommend the book

[Tisa Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yo, Coach Dawn's book was awesome! Her stories about growing up in North Philly were so real. She totally crushed it, dealing with all those challenges with her fam, school, and chasing her goals. Listening to the audiobook was such a great call!

[Kathryn Lent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book by an awesome coach! Enjoyed listening to her read it as well.

[Beth Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Coach Staley and this was a perfect way to learn what’s behind her story and success. Very inspirational.