South Carolina is set to honor one of the most iconic figures in college basketball — head coach Dawn Staley — with a larger-than-life statue, and the excitement is electric. The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, and it’s clear the entire Gamecocks community is ready to celebrate the legendary coach’s legacy.
The news was shared Monday via the official South Carolina women’s basketball Instagram, alongside a heartfelt tribute video. The caption read:
“A very special day has arrived for a very special person ❤️.”
Fans quickly flooded the comment section with love and admiration for Staley, who has elevated the program to national powerhouse status.
“One of the best coaches in women’s basketball,” one fan wrote. “It’s a national holiday!!!!” said another. “In Dawn we trust ❤ ️,” added another passionate supporter.
Many of the most emotional responses came from fans reflecting on Staley’s journey and the impact she’s had:
“Built it from the ground up. Uncommon.” “No one more deserving❤️.” “So deserving! I’m crying again,” one fan confessed.
The statue has been in the works since it was first announced in February 2023. Now complete, it stands 11 feet tall, weighs nearly 1,000 pounds, and is estimated to be worth around $140,000. Crafted from bronze, the statue will be placed near the intersection of Senate and Lincoln Streets, just outside the Pastides Alumni Center and not far from its originally proposed location at Main and Gervais Streets, near the South Carolina State House.
And the honor is well deserved. Dawn Staley has completely transformed South Carolina women’s basketball, guiding the team to three national championships (2017, 2022, 2024), seven Final Fours, and nine SEC tournament titles, firmly establishing the program as a dominant force in the sport.
But the celebrations don’t stop there.
Staley also announced the upcoming release of her new book, “Uncommon Favor,” which is set to launch on May 20, 2025. She is currently on a pre-release tour and will soon bring it back home to Columbia, South Carolina.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Staley shared:
“SC, it’s official—my book tour is coming home! Join me in Columbia (and Philly and NYC) to talk about Uncommon Favor! Register to attend at the link in bio. I can’t wait to see you there! @booksamillion, @unclebobbies, @bnfifthavenue, @AtriaBooks, and @SimonAndSchuster.”
According to Staley, the book dives deep into her personal life story, including lessons from her upbringing, playing days, and remarkable coaching journey.
With a statue soon to stand in her honor and a memoir on the way, Dawn Staley’s impact — on and off the court — continues to grow.
