Dawn Staley Reunites with Key Player for South Carolina Season Opener
This season opener brings a significant reunion in women’s college basketball, as Dawn Staley reunites with her former assistant coach Winston Gandy. The highly anticipated matchup features Staley’s No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks facing off against Gandy’s new team, the Grand Canyon Antelopes.
Game Details
- Matchup: South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Grand Canyon Antelopes
- Date: Monday, November 3, 2024
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Venue: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
- Broadcast: SEC Network Plus, Radio: 107.5 FM The Game
Winston Gandy’s Journey
Winston Gandy joined Staley’s staff in 2023, where he played a vital role in the team’s success, including winning the national championship in 2024. After two seasons with the Gamecocks, Gandy was appointed as the head coach of Grand Canyon University on March 24, 2025.
Reflecting on his time in Columbia, Gandy expressed gratitude, noting he met his wife there and referred to his experience as a “blessing.” As he prepares to lead his new team against his former one, Gandy acknowledges the challenges ahead.
Raising the Competition Level
Gandy plans to use this matchup to demonstrate the competitive standards he aims to instill at Grand Canyon. He compares this strategy to Staley’s early efforts at South Carolina when she scheduled challenging opponents like UConn. These experiences, while tough at first, helped elevate the Gamecocks into a national powerhouse.
Understanding Competition
“If you’re trying to elevate the level of a program, you need to step out of your comfort zone,” said Gandy. He aims for his players to gain essential insights through matches against high-caliber teams.
Team Dynamics at Grand Canyon
Gandy enters his first year with a reshaped roster. The Antelopes feature only two players returning from last season’s NCAA Tournament appearance. He has brought in 14 new players, including Chloe Mann, a Cincinnati transfer recognized as the MWC Preseason Newcomer of the Year.
Season Expectations
The Mountain West Conference preseason poll places Grand Canyon at No. 7, with one first-place vote reflecting optimism for the season. Gandy looks for consistent improvement as the team develops.
“The team you see in November will transform by January,” he noted, emphasizing his hope for growth over the season.
Conclusion
As Gandy faces Staley in his debut game as a head coach, both coaches will keenly feel the significance of this moment. For fans, it represents a blend of nostalgia and fresh beginnings in women’s college basketball.
