I’ve heard of people calling their co-workers “work wife” or “work husband” before. Maybe you think this is a cute nickname for someone you relate to, support, and spend a lot of time around.
But perhaps you’re on the other team and believe it’s inappropriate to think of someone as your “work spouse.” If so, I do see your point. As innocent as it may seem, these nicknames can cause rumors to spread and might even offend your actual spouse.
A while ago, Dawn Staley gave her co-worker and close friend the “spouse” title. As a result, some fans believed that the head coach (HC) was, in fact, married. Who is Dawn Staley’s husband (or wife)? Was it all just a rumor? That’s what I set out to find!
Dawn Staley: Quick Bio
I’ll get to the rumors in a minute. For now, let’s check out a brief bio:
- Full Name: Dawn Michelle Staley
- Birthdate: May 4, 1970
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Parents: Clarence Staley and Estelle Staley
- Education: Degree in Rhetoric and Communication Studies from UVA
- Profession: Basketball player (former profession) and head coach
- Position: Guard
- Networth: $12 million
Is the Gamecocks’ HC Married?
Nope. As far as we know, Dawn Staley isn’t (and was never) married. She doesn’t seem to be involved romantically with anyone, either.
Photo of Dawn Staley and her little dog Champ
Image source: Instagram
Just take a look at her Instagram account—no date night pics in sight. Instead, you’ll find basketball-related posts along with the occasional pic of her puppy Champ. It’s not even clear if she has any kids.
Where Did the Lisa Boyer Rumor Come From?
So, the HC is either single or just extremely private. Why did fans assume she’s married to her co-worker, Lisa Boyer? I’ll tell you why: It all started with a Tweet.
Yes, you read that right. In 2018, Lisa Boyer Tweeted about how shocked she was the duo had been working together for 10 years.
Boyer!! We are that old married couple who started young and will grow old together. You put the ride and die in the RIDE and DIE! Proud of you Boyer. Thanks for sacrificing your career to help to me serve our teams, program, university and state. What a ride?! ❤️❤️ https://t.co/MLgYWYGbGR
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) May 7, 2018
Staley responded by saying they were like “that old married couple” who met fairly young and stuck around till they grew old together. She also referred to Boyer as her “ride or die.”
The “wife” title stuck, and some fans decided to call Boyer Staley’s wife.
What Is Staley and Boyer’s Friendship Like?
When Staley said she and Boyer grew old together, she wasn’t exaggerating.
Blessed to stand shoulder to shoulder with this woman and this staff. What a journey this has been with more miles ahead. Congrats Dawnnie!!!
South Carolina’s Dawn Staley is AP women’s coach of the year https://t.co/cvnWynlyba— Lisa Boyer (@Coachboyer) March 23, 2020
They’ve been coaching together as HC and assistant/associate for more than two decades (15+ seasons at Gamecocks and 6 at Temple). Before that, Boyer actually coached Staley for a while, back when she played with the Philadelphia Rage.
Of course, working this long with someone strengthens your bond.
Apparently, they bicker but still balance and support each other. Boyer is the “worrier” in the duo. She’s the one who considers things from all angles—so much so that Staley once said that she wouldn’t have been as successful (and she is incredibly successful) without Boyer by her side.
Staley also describes Boyer as her opposite. Players in the South Carolina Gamecocks team agree that the coaching duo’s friendship is unique and hilarious, even though their personalities are so different.
Together, the two couches create a safe space where they can truly be themselves. They even joke about how Boyer took years off of Staley’s life when she coached her. Now that Staley is the HC, she’s repaying the favor.
Final Thoughts
In the end, there’s no official information about Dawn Staley’s love life. But I think the rumors about her and Lisa Boyer are just that—rumors.
They’re likely very close friends, though!
Featured image source: Google
