South Carolina is celebrating one of the most iconic figures in women’s college basketball history, as the city of Columbia unveils a statue of legendary head coach Dawn Staley on Wednesday.
The ceremony takes place near the Pastides Alumni Center, just half a mile from the statue of her most renowned player, A’ja Wilson.
Though Wilson couldn’t attend the event in person due to WNBA training camp, she made sure to send a heartfelt message of support and admiration.
“It’s amazing. I hate that I’m missing it, but obviously I know she would cuss me out if I was there, not at training camp,” Wilson joked. “It truly just speaks volumes to who she is and what she’s done for that whole city of Columbia, the state of South Carolina, women’s basketball. It’s deserving. I’m so happy that she finally gets it.”
The new statue is located at the intersection of Senate Street and Lincoln Street, right in the heart of downtown Columbia, adding another historic landmark to the city’s tribute to women’s sports excellence.
Since taking the reins of the South Carolina Gamecocks program in 2008, Staley has become a transformative figure in the sport. Her incredible coaching career boasts:
3 national championships
7 Final Four appearances
7 seasons with 30+ wins
9 SEC Tournament titles
She was inducted into both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, solidifying her status among the game’s elite.
This past season, Staley led her team to yet another deep tournament run, narrowly missing a fourth title after falling to Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies in the national championship game.
Now, her legacy is quite literally cemented in bronze, joining Wilson outside Colonial Life Arena as pillars of the Gamecocks’ dominance.
“I hope it looks good,” Wilson said with a smile. “I know if it’s anything with her, it’s gonna look great. I’m grateful to be standing with her.”
