Dawn Staley, the esteemed head coach of South Carolina women’s basketball, recently unveiled a statue in her honor in Columbia, South Carolina. While the statue celebrates her remarkable achievements, including leading the Gamecocks to three NCAA national championships and earning multiple coaching accolades, Staley emphasized that its significance extends beyond her personal accomplishments.
During the unveiling ceremony, Staley expressed her hope that the statue would serve as an inspiration for future generations. She stated, “I agreed to the statue, not for me, but for the girl who would walk by one day and wonder who I was. Maybe she’ll look me up, she’ll see that I did some things in basketball of course, but hope she sees much more. I hope she sees that I was a champion for equity and equality, that in my own way I pushed for change. That I stood proudly in the space God called me to inhabit, not as someone perfect or extraordinary but as a regular girl who used her gifts to open doors so other girls wouldn’t have to knock as hard”
Staley also addressed comments made by UConn coach Geno Auriemma, who suggested that statues are typically erected only after multiple national championships. In response, Staley clarified that the statue of former player A’ja Wilson was not solely about athletic achievements but about being “a winner at life” and a symbol of possibility for the youth of Columbia .
The statue, located at the intersection of Senate and Lincoln Streets in Columbia, stands as a testament to Staley’s enduring impact on and off the court. It symbolizes her commitment to leadership, community empowerment, and the pursuit of equality, serving as an enduring inspiration for all who encounter it.
