The 2025 Draft was yet again a mix of talent, glam, and big moments. South Carolina, unsurprisingly, made some noise —just not in the first round. But the real buzz? It started when coach Dawn Staley spotted her former player Sania Feagin on the Orange Carpet. What happened next had the internet talking—and A’ja Wilson jumping in with the perfect response.

Let’s rewind for a moment. After the most successful season of her collegiate career, Feagin went as the 21st overall to the Los Angeles Sparks. In doing so, she became the 22nd player in Gamecock history to be drafted into the WNBA—and the 18th under Dawn Staley’s reign. That alone is a testament to Staley’s impact. But while Feagin’s career milestone was already a moment to celebrate, it was her Orange Carpet appearance that caught even more buzz.

Feagin showed up looking like a seasoned star. With her silk ruched gown, deep sweetheart neckline, and strappy metallic heels, the star forward was poised. She was confident. And she was definitely not expecting her coach to keep it well that real.

As Feagin was in middle of greeting everyone, Dawn Staley—casually chewing her gum—strolled up, glanced at her dress, pointed at it with a smirk, and asked loud enough for cameras to catch it: “You got drawls on?” 

Social media, naturally, had a field day. The clip bounced around Twitter, TikTok, and IG. People weren’t mad—most found it hilarious, dubbing her “Auntie Dawn” and calling it another reason why she’s the most relatable coach in the game. The internet lived for it. But some folks tried to twist the moment, suggesting it was “too much” or “unprofessional.” That’s when A’ja Wilson decided to step in and shut the noise down.

Wilson, who knows a thing or two about what it’s like to be coached by Staley, reposted the viral moment to her IG story with a caption that said it all: “She is PEAK Coach. She don’t care, she will ask her question.” And just to drive the point home, A’ja added: “And you better have the appropriate things on or she WILL give you a stank face 😂.” Mic. Drop.

See, A’ja Wilson just gets Dawn Staley. Always has. Back in 2017, Wilson led South Carolina to its first national title under Staley’s watch. Years later, they reunited on an even bigger stage—Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics. Gold medal? Check. History made? Absolutely. But their bond runs deeper than trophies. 

Even when A’ja unveiled her first signature shoes and Staley was one of the first ones to receive them, the Aces icon had sat fingers crossed, waiting for an honest review. “Coach wearing my shoe made me nervous cause she’s someone who will be OD honest with me and if she didn’t like them she would pull me aside and let me know,” she had admitted back in February. But thankfully, much of it was to Staley’s liking. Yes, much. Not the whole of it.

After admitting she loved how comfortable the shoes were, Staley had went on to disagree with the colorway. She hoped there would be something else the likes of her could appreciate. But Wilson was taking what she got. “This stamp of approval is top tier,” she wrote on X. So, that’s Staley for you. Not there just for the highlights. But definitely there for the big significant moments.

In a proud coach’s night, Dawn Staley cheers her players

It started with a clap. Then a smile. Then, before Dawn Staley could even catch her breath, her hands were in the air again. The 2025 WNBA Draft was rolling through its second round, and suddenly, South Carolina’s coach found herself celebrating—again and again.

First up: Te-Hina Paopao. Atlanta called her name at No. 18 overall. Staley knew it was coming, but that didn’t make it any less special. Paopao had shot the lights out all year, putting up over 11 points a game and splashing threes in rhythm. And then—before the moment even settled—another pick came in. This time, Bree Hall. No. 20 overall to the Indiana Fever.

Hall didn’t always draw the headlines. She was a rock. Steady. Smart. Staley had trusted her with tough assignments. And now, Indiana was trusting her with the next chapter.

It felt like a full-circle moment. Just a few years ago, Hall and Aliyah Boston were cutting down nets in Minneapolis, bringing home a national championship in 2022. Now? They’re teammates again in Indiana. And Boston felt it. As soon as Hall’s name was announced, Boston jumped on X: “BIG BREEZY REUNION 😭 I’m literally crying rn.”

Three picks in a blink. Paopao to Atlanta. Hall to Indiana. Feagin to L.A. Staley was a proud coach yet again.