“My Favorite Coach Is A Woman” Shirts Honor Staley’s Legacy While Supporting Emerging Designer
In a powerful display of solidarity during South Carolina’s 68-65 thriller against #4 Texas on January 15, Dawn Staley’s coaching staff and support personnel made a statement that went beyond basketball—wearing custom shirts emblazoned with her face and a message celebrating women in leadership.
The Story Behind the Shirts
The custom apparel featured a vintage photo of Staley from her playing days at the University of Virginia. The front read “My favorite coach is a woman,” while the back displayed “Love, Believe in Yourself”—a message that encapsulates Staley’s approach both on and off the court.
Designer Michael Glasker, founder of the “Always BIY” brand (BIY standing for “Believe in Yourself”), created the shirts specifically for Staley. While she didn’t wear one herself during the game, the black zip-up jacket with blue hood she sported was also a Glasker creation.
“I didn’t really want to give them out because it’s my face on the shirts but they’re cool shirts,” Staley admitted with characteristic humility after the victory. “We did a collab and I just supported him in that way.”
A Designer’s Vision
Glasker, who hails from Virginia with family roots in Philadelphia, explained his motivation for the design series to The Greenville News via social media.
“Right now, more than ever, women are elevating their respective craft… so I did a series (called) ‘My favorite __ Is a woman,'” he shared.
The connection to Staley felt natural—both have Philadelphia ties, and Staley’s legendary college career unfolded at Virginia, creating what Glasker called “a unique parallel.”
“She loved the idea and gave me her blessing,” Glasker explained. “So to show how grateful I am for her, I wanted to make sure her and whoever she wanted to have the tees, had the tees.”
Staley’s Entrepreneurial Support
True to form, Staley didn’t just lend her image—she invested in supporting an emerging entrepreneur. After the game, she jokingly warned Glasker about what was coming next.
“I told him this, I said, ‘We’re wearing these shirts. You have to restock, because Gamecock nation is real, it’s real,'” Staley revealed.
It’s a gesture that speaks to Staley’s broader impact beyond coaching—using her platform to elevate others while championing messages of self-belief and women’s empowerment.
The shirts made their debut during a game that perfectly embodied their message: a hard-fought victory where multiple women—from Staley’s leadership to Raven Johnson’s clutch play to Madina Okot’s game-changing three-pointer—demonstrated exactly why celebrating women in sports matters.
South Carolina improved to 18-1 (5-0 SEC) with the win and travels to Coppin State on Sunday.
