Columbia, SC – May 2, 2025
Amazon Studios has officially released “Built from the Block: The Dawn Staley Era,” a riveting new documentary chronicling the rise of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball program under the leadership of legendary coach Dawn Staley. The film, now streaming on Prime Video, is already drawing widespread acclaim for its raw storytelling, emotional depth, and behind-the-scenes access to one of the most dominant teams in modern college basketball.
Directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Ava Brooks, the 90-minute feature takes viewers on an intimate journey through the defining moments of Staley’s tenure — from her arrival in 2008 to the Gamecocks’ multiple national championships and their emergence as a cultural powerhouse far beyond the hardwood.
“This film isn’t just about basketball,” Brooks said at the premiere. “It’s about transformation. It’s about what happens when a visionary coach empowers young women to dream, lead, and win — not just games, but respect.”
“Built from the Block” opens with Staley’s roots in North Philadelphia and draws powerful parallels between her gritty upbringing and her coaching philosophy: discipline, community, and excellence. Through a compelling mix of archival footage, locker room access, and candid interviews with current and former players, the film explores the challenges and triumphs that shaped the Gamecocks’ rise to the top of the NCAA.
Key figures like A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and assistant coaches offer heartfelt reflections on what it means to be part of Staley’s legacy. The documentary also addresses deeper themes, including race, gender, and leadership, highlighting how Staley has used her platform to speak on social justice, equity in women’s sports, and athlete empowerment.
Perhaps most poignant is a segment detailing the 2022 Final Four run, which ends with the national title, followed by the crushing semifinal loss in 2023 — and the emotional response that revealed the family-like bond within the team.
“Coach Staley taught us to be more than players,” says Wilson in one interview. “She taught us to be women who lead — and fight for something bigger.”
Critics and fans have praised the documentary for its authenticity and emotional impact. The New York Times called it “a masterclass in leadership and legacy,” while ESPN’s LaChina Robinson hailed it as “the best film ever made about women’s college basketball.”
Staley, who remains head coach of the Gamecocks, said she hopes the documentary gives fans a deeper understanding of what drives the program.
“We don’t just roll the ball out and win,” Staley said. “We build trust. We build character. We build from the block — from the ground up.”
As “Built from the Block” climbs the charts on Prime Video and generates buzz across the sports and entertainment world, one thing is clear: the story of Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks has moved from the court to the cultural spotlight — and it’s still far from over.
