On Friday, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley was in Louisville, Kentucky, to watch Olivia Vukosa. The five-star player showcased her skills at the Nike EYBL Run 4 the Roses event.
Dawn Staley a Fan-Favorite at Nike EYBL Event
Vukosa was dominant during the spring and summer circuit and impressed with her performance at the EYBL showing. She was part of the Philly Rise team, which took the court for a morning contest.
Talia Goodman reported that plenty of coaches were present at the event to watch the top 2026 prospect. Staley was among them.
First up: Olivia Vukosa.
Plenty of coaches here to watch the top 2026 prospect including Dawn Staley and Vic Schaefer. pic.twitter.com/83tZtIqL3i
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) July 11, 2025
Goodman later posted a picture of Staley in black trousers and a beige hoodie, carrying a backpack and surrounded by fans. She is seen speaking to a fan.
“There’s a constant line of people here at Run 4 The Roses to take pictures with Dawn Staley,” the report claimed.
There’s a constant line of people here at Run 4 The Roses to take pictures with Dawn Staley. pic.twitter.com/DTBa8OPyiy
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) July 11, 2025
Vukosa named the Gamecocks a finalist this spring. The others in consideration were UConn, Kentucky, Texas, LSU, North Carolina, and Ohio State. However, she has yet to set an official visit to South Carolina.
In a March interview, Vukosa shared with Goodman what she thought of Staley and her team.
“Coach [Dawn] Staley is a great person,” she said. “I don’t get to talk to them all the time, but when I do, it’s like the conversation gets picked up right where it left off. She’s brought great energy, and so does her whole staff.”
As for what she was expecting from a program, Vukosa said she wanted a “family environment.”
“Having coaches that I can go and ask for help or advice, instead of asking my parents – having the coach-to-athlete connection.”
The Christ the King Regional High School student-athlete is projected to play forward or center at the next level. She happens to be a skilled mid-range jump shooter but can stretch her range to the 3-point arc. At 6’4″, Vukosa’s combination of size and skill makes her versatility her biggest asset.
ESPN recently compared Vukosa to Raegan Beers of the Oklahoma Sooners for her ability to punish opponents in the block while leading some offense in the trail spot on the break.
Vukosa made 34.8% of her 3-pointers at the prep level, compared to Beers’ 36.4% success rate last season. She has been a 58.3% shooter at the EYBL event thus far, per ESPN.
