Breaking : University of South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley appointed Winston Gandy as an assistant coach, filling the vacancy left by Fred Chmiel, who departed to become the head coach at Bowling Green. 

Breaking : University of South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley appointed Winston Gandy as an assistant coach, filling the vacancy left by Fred Chmiel, who departed to become the head coach at Bowling Green.

 

Gandy brought a wealth of experience to the Gamecocks, having previously served as an associate head coach at Duke University, where he contributed to the team’s success, including a 14-4 ACC record and a second-round NCAA Tournament appearance. Before his tenure at Duke, Gandy was part of the coaching staff at Rice University, helping the Owls achieve multiple 20-win seasons and an NCAA Tournament berth. His professional background also includes three years with the NBA’s Washington Wizards as a player development coordinator, working with notable players like John Wall and Bradley Beal.

 

Staley praised Gandy’s ability to connect with young athletes, stating, “He is a highly sought after young talent in our game, and I’m so happy he is bringing his great basketball mind and ability to recruit and develop talent to Columbia.”

 

In his inaugural season with South Carolina, Gandy’s coaching significantly impacted the team’s performance, particularly in enhancing the guards’ efficiency. Under his guidance, the Gamecocks ranked third nationally in three-point field goal percentage during the 2023–24 season, with standout player Te-Hina Paopao leading the nation at 46.8%, marking the third-highest in program history.

 

Gandy’s tenure at South Carolina culminated in a historic 38–0 season, securing the 2024 NCAA National Championship. In March 2025, he accepted the head coaching position at Grand Canyon University, marking a significant step in his coaching career.

 

To fill the void left by Gandy’s departure, Staley promoted former Gamecock standout Khadijah Sessions to assistant coach. Sessions, who played for South Carolina from 2012 to 2016, returned to her alma mater after coaching stints at the high school level, bringing with her a deep understanding of the program’s culture and a commitment to player development.

 

With Sessions joining the coaching staff alongside Jolette Law and Lisa Boyer, South Carolina continues to build on its tradition of excellence, fostering a coaching environment enriched by both experience and alumni pride.