Dawn Staley Shares Personal Victory Amid Gamecock Greatness as Close Friend Beats Leukemia
Since taking the helm in 2008, Dawn Staley has transformed South Carolina women’s basketball into a national powerhouse. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have claimed three NCAA championships, made seven Final Four appearances, and notched 13 seasons with at least 25 wins. Her record at South Carolina now stands at an astonishing 475-110 (.812 winning percentage) — a testament to both consistency and dominance.
But amid all the on-court accolades, Staley celebrated a much more personal and emotional win this week.
On Wednesday, Staley took to X (formerly Twitter) to share heartfelt news: her dear friend, Blakeleigh Thompson, had officially completed her leukemia treatment and “rang the bell” — a symbolic gesture marking the end of her cancer journey.
“Great day! This moment I get to share with you is pretty special, pretty Godly—my friend Blakeleigh rang her bell today,” Staley wrote. “She did it the same way she did her treatments—with a smile. She has touched me with her spirit so very deeply over the past 2 plus years. @aflac thank you! ❤️🙏🏾”
Thompson and Staley’s friendship began in 2023 through Aflac’s “My Special Aflac Duck” program, which supports pediatric cancer patients. Their bond deepened over time, with Thompson even designing the custom chain Staley famously wears during games — a visible token of their shared strength and inspiration.
While the Gamecocks’ 2024-25 season was another chapter of excellence — ending with a 35-4 overall record and a 15-1 SEC mark, sharing the regular season title with Texas before claiming the SEC Tournament championship in Greenville — the season concluded with a heartbreaking loss to UConn, 82-59, in the national title game in Tampa.
Still, Staley’s influence goes far beyond the hardwood. Her leadership, both on and off the court, continues to inspire a fan base that rallies around more than just wins — they stand behind the values of community, perseverance, and heart.
And now, that same community celebrates a far more meaningful victory: Blakeleigh Thompson’s triumphant return to health.
