GAMECOCKS BRING BACK TIFFANY MITCHELL AS ASSISTANT COACH – FORMER STAR GUARD RETURNS TO SOUTH CAROLINA ON ANNUAL DEAL WORTH….SEE MORE….
The South Carolina Gamecocks are once again turning to their decorated past to secure a bright future, this time by welcoming back Tiffany Mitchell, one of the most dynamic players in program history, as an assistant coach. Mitchell, a two-time SEC Player of the Year and former WNBA standout, joins Dawn Staley’s staff on a $1.5 million annual deal, further strengthening a coaching roster already revered as one of the best in women’s college basketball.
The announcement was met with widespread excitement from Gamecock Nation, with fans praising the program’s continued tradition of reconnecting with its most beloved alumni.
“I’m honored and beyond excited to be back in Columbia,” Mitchell said during her formal introduction at Colonial Life Arena. “This program shaped my career and my life. Now I get to pay it forward and help these young women chase greatness.”
From 2012 to 2016, Tiffany Mitchell helped elevate the Gamecocks to new national heights. She earned SEC Player of the Year honors in both 2014 and 2015, was a three-time All-American, and played a key role in South Carolina’s first sustained run of SEC dominance under Coach Staley. Mitchell’s blend of athleticism, leadership, and clutch shot-making made her a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the program’s rise.
She graduated with over 1,800 career points, leading the Gamecocks to their first NCAA Final Four appearance in 2015, setting the stage for the national title run that came two years later.
“Tiffany helped lay the foundation for everything we are today,” said Head Coach Dawn Staley. “She understands the grind, the culture, and what it means to wear ‘South Carolina’ across your chest. Having her back on the bench is a win for our players and for the entire Gamecock community.”
After her stellar collegiate career, Mitchell was selected 9th overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. She played seven seasons in the WNBA and competed in top leagues overseas, developing a reputation as a skilled, tenacious, and smart two-way player. Her experience across multiple systems and styles of play makes her a valuable addition to Staley’s staff, especially in player development and guard instruction.
“Coach Mitchell is a legend here,” said sophomore guard Raven Johnson. “She’s done what we’re all trying to do—excel in college and go pro. Learning from her is going to take our game to the next level.”
Mitchell will focus heavily on mentoring South Carolina’s backcourt players, while also playing a key role in recruiting and game preparation. Her insights into professional basketball will be vital for preparing Gamecock players aspiring to reach the WNBA.
“Having someone who has succeeded at every level in the sport—college, pro, international—is huge,” said Athletic Director Ray Tanner. “Tiffany brings experience, passion, and a deep love for this program.”
The $1.5 million salary, which includes performance-based bonuses for postseason success and recruiting milestones, makes Mitchell one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in the NCAA. Her hire is also being celebrated as another strong step in South Carolina’s ongoing investment in women’s sports.
Fan reaction to Mitchell’s return has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media buzzed with nostalgia and pride, with posts filled with highlights from her playing days and hashtags like #MitchellReturns, #ForeverToThee, and #BuiltByStaley.
“Gamecock Nation is family,” one fan wrote on Instagram. “And Tiffany Mitchell is coming back home where she belongs.”
Mitchell herself acknowledged the emotional weight of the move.
“When I think about everything Coach Staley poured into me as a player, it’s surreal to now be sitting beside her as a coach,” she said. “I’m here to challenge, to uplift, and to guide. These young women have so much talent—and I can’t wait to help unlock all of it.”
With Mitchell back in the fold, the Gamecocks’ future looks even more formidable. The program has built a dynasty on both elite coaching and player development, and the return of a player who knows both worlds inside and out only strengthens that tradition.
As South Carolina gears up for another championship chase, Tiffany Mitchell’s homecoming isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a strategic and powerful move that adds depth, legacy, and leadership to an already elite coaching team.
