Dawn Staley Honored with Statue as Trailblazer for Women in Sports and Leadership
On Wednesday, Dawn Staley, the legendary South Carolina women’s basketball coach, stepped into the spotlight in downtown Columbia — not for a game, but for a legacy-defining tribute: the unveiling of her own statue. After 17 seasons at the helm, including three national championships, Staley’s mark on the Gamecocks program — and women’s sports at large — has been nothing short of historic.
Among those paying tribute was retired South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal, a devoted Gamecock supporter and the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court. She delivered powerful words about Staley’s influence far beyond basketball.
“I always used to tell my women friends, ‘If you achieve a little something, put that ladder down and pull your sisters along.’ Dawn does that to the nth degree,” Toal said.
Reflecting on Staley’s early years at South Carolina, Toal described her unwavering commitment and vision:
“She was all in from the beginning. She wasn’t just building a fanbase, she was building a family. That’s why we don’t call ourselves fans. We’re FAMs. That was pure Dawn.”
University of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley answers a question by moderator Dan Hughes during the University of Mount Union’s Schooler Lecture speaker series on April 23, 2025, in Alliance, Ohio.
Under Staley’s leadership, the Gamecocks evolved into a national powerhouse, earning admiration for more than just wins. Her role as a champion for women, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields, resonated deeply with leaders like Toal.
“I support her so enthusiastically,” Toal added. “I revere what she’s done here, but more so, what she’s done nationally and internationally. To bring women into their own in sports is really a miracle.”
A Lasting Tribute
The statue, unveiled at the intersection of Senate and Lincoln Streets outside the Pastides Alumni Center, serves as a permanent reminder of Staley’s leadership, inclusivity, and impact. The location sits just half a mile from the statue of A’ja Wilson, Staley’s former star player, in front of the Colonial Life Arena.
In a university news release, the statue was described as a symbol of:
“Excellence, resilience and pride,” highlighting Staley’s influence both on and off the court, and her ongoing dedication to mentorship, equity, and community.
She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and followed that with enshrinement in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
Now, with a statue standing tall in Columbia, Dawn Staley’s story becomes part of South Carolina’s physical and cultural landscape — a beacon for future generations of women who dare to lead, dream, and win.
