How Dawn Staley managed her team at South Carolina paid dividends for Sania Feagin, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks in the second round of the 2025 WNBA Draft and fights for her place
16:20 ET, 14 May 2025
LOS ANGELES — Dawn Staley’s process of developing players paid off as Sania Feagin looks to make her mark in the WNBA.
Article continues below
Feagin was highly rated among teams during the 2025 WNBA Draft, further showing just how much of an impact she made with Staley at South Carolina. So highly thought of was the star big that Los Angeles Sparks General Manager Raegan Pebley admitted she and the organization were “stunned” Feagin was still available in the second round.
Article continues below
Raegan stated at the time: “Our whole war room was stunned that she was still available as late as she was. And we wanted to bring some post depth, some center depth, some rim protection depth.”
Article continues belowREAD MORE: Wyndham Clark has long history with Paige Spiranac who made feelings on him clearREAD MORE: Inside new $4.7 billion arena to replace oldest NFL stadium set to be demolished
As the Sparks inch closer to the start of the season, Feagin said during media day that playing under Staley helped prepare her for what to expect in the WNBA. The 22-year-old said as much to reporters when asked how having the experience under Staley would help her moving forward.
“I did feel prepared when I arrived here,” she told reporters Tuesday. “Just knowing that she put a lot of stuff in me to understand that I could be great one day.” Her comments come after sharing that her biggest takeaway from the transition from college to the WNBA was being as adaptable as possible.
“I’d say my biggest takeaway coming from South Carolina is being a sponge,” she shared. “Learning what I could do best, understanding what I could do to grow and be a better athlete. So I’d say that’s my biggest takeaway.”
While Feagin understands it will be a challenge to crack the Sparks’ roster, that uncertainty is something she learned to live with at South Carolina. The plethora of talent on the Gamecocks’ roster could make it difficult to get proper minutes for all players.
It is that mindset that allows Staley’s players to prepare for what life would be like in the WNBA. Speaking to reporters in January 2025, the legendary head coach explained how crucial it was for each player to understand their specific role, especially if they hoped to play in the league.
Article continues below
“They can start anywhere else, anywhere else in the country,” she began. “But they know that it’s not about, it’s not totally about starting.
Get Peacock starting at $7.99
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Looking for more to watch? Peacock has hit shows, movies, live sports, and more. You can watch popular titles like Wicked and The Traitors, along with Premier League matches and live golf all in one place. Peacock offers plans starting at $7.99 a month and you can cancel anytime.
“It’s about the big picture, which is preparing them to be a pro, because I don’t think we have anybody on our team that can go into the WNBA and start. Not anybody, not anybody. So to be able to play a role like that, that would be a natural role for you in the league in the very beginning, it’s not a bad thing.”
Article continues below
It’s clear Feagin took Staley’s advice to heart when playing her role. Sparks star Kelsey Plum exclusively told Mirror U.S. Sports during training camp just how impressed she’s been with the former South Carolina star throughout the process.
“I’ve been very impressed with Sania,” Plum revealed. “I think that she is beyond her years in terms of the way she talks. She can pass. She rebounds well.
“She doesn’t shy away from physicality, which is very rare for a young player in the league. So she’s in there banging.”
Leave a Reply