Olympic gold medalist. World Champion. World-class athlete. These are titles that define a legacy, indicating an athlete has reached the pinnacle of their sport. Charlotte Sting point guard Dawn Staley can already lay claim to both these titles not just once�but twice. No stranger to Olympic competition, Staley will attempt to add a third Olympic gold to her collection as she helps guide the USA Basketball Women�s Senior National Team this summer in Athens.

An intense student of the game who considers playing for the United States a great honor, Staley has been representing the United States in international competition for nearly 15 years. Her first stint on the national team came in 1989 when she represented the U.S. at the 1989 Junior World Championships. She was also selected to represent the United States at the 1991 World University Games, the 1992 R. William Jones Cup, and the 1993 World Championship Qualifying Tournament.

In 1994, Staley tasted her first success at the highest levels of international competition as she captured a bronze medal at the 1994 World Championships. She also was a member of the Goodwill Games gold medal team. In addition to the team�s success, Staley also earned several individual accolades including the 1994 USA Basketball Female Player of Year and the MVP of the Goodwill Games.

Success at the Olympic level would be the next step for Staley, as she became a member of the 1995-96 USA Basketball Women�s National Team. The team made history as they went a remarkable 60-0 and captured the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Following the triumph at the 1996 Olympic Games, Staley continued to help lead the United States to victories in international play including gold medals at both the 1998 and 2002 World Championships. Staley was able to add a second Olympic gold medal to her collection in 2000 as the Women�s National Team defended their Olympic title in Sydney. In addition to playing for the national team, Staley also serves on the USA Basketball Women�s Senior National Team Committee.

Staley was one of seven players named to the 2004 USA Basketball Senior Women�s National Team on October 8, 2003. As a member of team she will have the opportunity to help the U.S. defend their Olympic gold medal this August in Athens.

�It�s always an honor to represent your country.�-Dawn Staley