Dawn Staley Gives Back: Former Temple Coach Launches Matching Donation Campaign to Uplift Women’s Basketball
It’s been 25 years since Dawn Staley began her remarkable coaching career at Temple University, but her impact on the program continues to echo far beyond her departure.
During her eight-year tenure in Philadelphia, Staley led the Owls to 172 victories, four Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament titles, and six NCAA Tournament appearances — achievements that helped shape the foundation of Temple women’s basketball.
Now, nearly two decades after leaving Temple to take over at South Carolina, Staley is giving back in a major way.
A Gift That Keeps on Giving
On Monday, Temple women’s basketball announced a new fundraising campaign titled “Match the Momentum.” The initiative is “inspired by the incredible generosity of legendary former head coach Dawn Staley,” the university said in its announcement.
In a powerful show of commitment, Staley has pledged to personally match every donation made through Friday, October 25 — an unprecedented move that reflects her deep bond with Temple and the city of Philadelphia.
“When you grew up in North Philly, Temple was the place to be,” Staley said in a video released with the campaign. “I honed my skills on the playgrounds of North Philly and then in McGonigle Hall — back in the gym in the back they don’t have anymore because they’ve progressed and got great new facilities. But when I was growing up, Temple, North Philly, Philly was synonymous with basketball.”
Continuing the Legacy
Under current head coach Diane Richardson, Temple has started to regain its competitive edge, posting back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time since 2015–17. Richardson praised Staley’s leadership and her ongoing commitment to women’s sports.
“She understands, she’s always been a trailblazer for women’s sports,” Richardson said. “She understands that we need dollars to continue to elevate our programs. Dawn Staley’s donation is more than generosity — it’s a statement of belief.”
Temple officials echoed that sentiment in a university release, emphasizing that the “Match the Momentum” campaign will “help student-athletes compete at the highest level, recruit elite talent, and continue the winning tradition that makes Temple proud.”
More than just a financial contribution, Staley’s gesture underscores the values that have defined her career — community, empowerment, and loyalty. Nearly two decades after she last coached in Philadelphia, her heart clearly remains in North Philly, where her journey first began.
