Breaking News: Lamont Paris, The Powerhouse Coach Behind South Carolina, Crowned 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year – And She’s Walking Away With A Jaw-Dropping $5 Million!
In a stunning turn of events, Lamont Paris has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year award, solidifying her place as one of the most transformative figures in college basketball. As the head coach of the South Carolina women’s basketball team, Paris has not only reshaped the culture of the program but also led the Gamecocks to historic heights this season.
Paris, who took over South Carolina’s women’s basketball program after an illustrious career as a top assistant coach, is renowned for her strategic brilliance, leadership, and ability to mold young athletes into elite competitors. Under her stewardship, the Gamecocks have become a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, consistently dominating the SEC and establishing themselves as national title contenders. This year’s recognition is a reflection of Paris’ tireless dedication to building a team that plays with discipline, heart, and intensity.
The Naismith Coach of the Year award is one of the highest honors in college basketball, bestowed upon the coach who has had the greatest impact on their program during the season. For Paris, this victory isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. The Gamecocks, under her leadership, have set new records for both individual and team achievements. This season, they’ve not only clinched the SEC championship but have also secured a coveted spot as the number one seed in the NCAA Tournament, with many considering them the team to beat for the national title.
In addition to the honor of receiving the Naismith Coach of the Year award, Paris will also walk away with a staggering $5 million as part of her compensation package. This figure represents not only her success on the court but also the immense value she has brought to the South Carolina program. The $5 million payout is one of the largest seen for a female coach in college basketball, further cementing Paris’ status as a trailblazer in the sport.
Her financial windfall comes on the heels of a historic season for the Gamecocks, where Paris proved that her coaching prowess extends far beyond the X’s and O’s. She has cultivated a team that exemplifies teamwork, resilience, and an unyielding drive for success. Paris’ emphasis on player development and her ability to recruit top-tier talent have contributed significantly to the program’s rise.
But it’s not just Paris’ on-the-court achievements that have earned her admiration—her work in the community and her mentorship of young women have made her a role model for aspiring coaches and players alike. Paris has used her platform to advocate for gender equality in sports, push for better resources for women’s programs, and advocate for positive change in the landscape of collegiate athletics.
This recognition is not just a victory for Paris but for women’s basketball as a whole. It highlights the growing influence of women coaches in college sports and shines a light on the incredible talent and leadership that is shaping the future of the game.
As Lamont Paris accepts the 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year award, she stands as a beacon of excellence, proving that with hard work, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the sky is the limit. The future of South Carolina women’s basketball looks incredibly bright, and with Paris at the helm, the Gamecocks are set to continue their reign as one of the most dominant forces in the sport.