Sania Feagin’s Redemption: How One Text to Dawn Staley Changed Everything
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Sania Feagin couldn’t stop checking her phone. Had her message gone through? Was it ignored? The uncertainty gnawed at her.
After South Carolina’s season opener against Michigan, Dawn Staley made a tough decision—Feagin was benched. The 6-foot-3 senior, once a top recruit, had struggled in her first start, scoring just two points, missing both field goal attempts, and grabbing zero rebounds.
Feagin, desperate for another shot, took a bold step: she texted Staley.
“Coach, can I get one more chance to show you that I can step up and be that big for us?”
Silence. Hours passed. Then, nearly a full day later, a response:
“Hey Feagin, sorry I didn’t reply, still thinking about it, but I did like what I saw.”
It wasn’t a yes—but it wasn’t a no. She kept pushing in practice, hoping for redemption.
Then, another message:
“You got it back, stay locked in, you got this.”
Feagin seized the moment. Against N.C. State, she delivered: six points, eight rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and a steal—proving she belonged. From that game on, she started every contest, hitting career highs with 8.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and a team-leading 53 blocks.
Staley couldn’t ignore the transformation.
“When she’s locked in, she’s skillful, she can defend, she’s efficient around the basket,” Staley said. “You’re seeing all of her skill set that we saw during the recruiting process.”
As the Sweet 16 looms, Feagin stands tall, chasing a third national championship ring. Her journey—marked by patience, perseverance, and a single, game-changing text—proves she was always meant to shine.
“It feels great,” Feagin said. “To go out there and play hard knowing that she trusts in me, she believes in me.”
