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I picked up Uncommon Favor by Dawn Staley somewhat on a whim. I spotted it at the library and grabbed it largely because I’ve spent the last couple of seasons deepening my love for women’s basketball—watching WNBA games regularly and tuning into NCAA women’s matchups whenever I can.
I knew Dawn Staley as a legendary coach and former player, of course, but I assumed this book would focus primarily on her basketball journey.
It does—but it also does so much more.
I listened to the audiobook, which is read by Staley herself, and I can’t recommend that format enough. Hearing her tell these stories in her own voice adds weight, warmth, and personality to every chapter.
There’s confidence there, yes, but also humility, reflection, and an honesty that makes the book feel deeply personal rather than performative.
While Uncommon Favor certainly traces Staley’s path from elite player to championship-winning coach, it’s ultimately a book about life lessons—many of them learned far from the court.
She writes about caring for her family, especially stepping into responsibility at a young age. She reflects on what it meant to move through different parts of the country and how each place shaped her worldview.
She speaks candidly about experiencing racism and sexism, not just as abstract concepts, but as realities that affected her opportunities, safety, and sense of belonging.
What struck me most is how thoughtfully Staley connects these experiences back to leadership. Her coaching philosophy isn’t built solely on winning (though she’s done plenty of that). It’s rooted in accountability, trust, discipline, and showing up for people—principles she learned long before she was standing on the sidelines in South Carolina.
She’s clear that success didn’t come from avoiding hardship, but from being shaped by it.
The title, Uncommon Favor, reflects her belief that while she’s been fortunate, those opportunities weren’t random or effortless.
Favor, in her telling, is often earned through preparation, integrity, and resilience. That framing felt especially powerful in a sports culture that often oversimplifies success or attributes it solely to talent.
Even if you’re not a die-hard basketball fan, there’s a lot here to appreciate. This is a book about perseverance, leadership, and navigating systems that weren’t designed with you in mind.
It’s about knowing who you are, standing firm in your values, and understanding that impact matters just as much as accolades.
I went into this book expecting a sports memoir. I came out of it feeling like I’d read something much closer to a guide on how to live with purpose, especially when the odds aren’t stacked in your favor.
If you enjoy memoirs that blend personal history with broader lessons—or if you’ve found yourself drawn into women’s basketball lately—Uncommon Favor is absolutely worth your time.
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The Bitter Lemon 