Dawn Staley Statue Set for Grand Unveiling as Fans Celebrate a Gamecock Legend
A monumental moment is on the horizon for South Carolina women’s basketball, as the university is set to unveil a statue of legendary coach Dawn Staley this Wednesday. The reveal was confirmed after the Gamecocks’ official Instagram account teased the upcoming tribute, sparking excitement across social media.
Following an impressive 37-3 season and a run to the NCAA Tournament final, where they fell 82-59 to Paige Bueckers’ UConn Huskies on April 6, the school will now immortalize Staley’s legacy in bronze.
While fans celebrated the announcement, some took the opportunity to jab at UConn coach Geno Auriemma, who previously made comments questioning the trend of erecting statues for players with only one national title—a remark many believe was aimed at A’ja Wilson, whose statue was placed outside Colonial Life Arena in 2021.
“Keep building them so Geno can keep complaining! We have pride in our team, don’t knock it,” one fan responded.
“Geno not gonna like this,” added another.
Others simply showered Staley with praise: “Let’s gooo Dawn!”❤️ “Dawn the GOAT”🐐 “Staleyyy make sure my goat Gucci or Chanel down,” one fan joked.
New Location Chosen for Staley’s Statue
The original plan was to place the statue at the prominent corner of Main and Gervais streets, across from the South Carolina State House. However, the University of South Carolina confirmed a new location: Senate and Lincoln streets, beside the Pastides Alumni Center.
“We still count that as downtown,” said Payton Lang, spokesperson for Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann.
This change aligns with Staley’s personal request—she preferred not to have her statue placed directly outside the arena, as she wanted that space to continue honoring her players, like A’ja Wilson.
The decision was also practical. According to Lang, city workers identified the new spot and presented it to the mayor, ensuring that the State House remained a scenic backdrop for the tribute.
A Long-Awaited Honor
The project was first announced in February 2023, and after months of anticipation, the 11-foot-tall, 1,000-pound statue arrived in Columbia in August 2024. The $140,000 monument is a joint effort between the City of Columbia, Statues for Equality, and local business leaders.
This tribute not only cements Dawn Staley’s impact on the program but also serves as a symbol of how far South Carolina women’s basketball has come under her leadership.
