Renowned basketball coach and Olympic gold medalist Dawn Staley is known for her leadership on and off the court, but her recent act of kindness proved once again why she’s admired far beyond the sports world. During a quiet afternoon in her hometown, Staley overheard a young boy utter words that stopped her in her tracks: “Mom, no food again today?”

Staley was seated at a nearby table in a local community center café when she noticed the young boy and his mother. The boy’s innocent question and his mother’s visible anguish broke her heart. Without hesitation, Staley walked over, introduced herself, and struck up a conversation.

The mother, initially hesitant, shared her struggles—she was a single parent, recently laid off, and struggling to put food on the table. Moved by their story, Staley sprang into action. She first ensured the boy and his mother had a warm meal that day, but she didn’t stop there.

Staley discreetly connected with the café manager and arranged for the family to receive daily meals on her tab for the next six months. She also worked with local charities to provide them with grocery gift cards and essentials. To help the mother get back on her feet, Staley leveraged her network to secure a job opportunity for her.

“It’s not just about giving a meal for one day—it’s about empowering people to find stability,” Staley later explained.

When asked why she stepped in, Staley said, “I’ve been given so much through basketball and life. It’s my responsibility to pay it forward, especially to kids and families who need a little hope.”

The mother and son, overwhelmed with gratitude, called Staley an angel. And for those who know her, this was just another example of Dawn Staley using her platform to make the world a better place.

Aliyah Boston Praises ‘Second Mom’ Dawn Staley for Confidence Boost at South Carolina

Indiana Fever superstar Aliyah Boston spoke about South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley’s impact on her confidence.

Jan 5, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Aliyah Boston (4) speaks with South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley against the Auburn Tigers in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images / Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Despite being only 23 years old, Indiana Fever superstar Aliyah Boston has blossomed into one of the most talented forwards in the entire WNBA and appears to have an extraordinary career ahead of her.

Of course, South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley has played a huge role in her development. Boston spent four seasons under Staley and was a huge part of their 2022 NCAA National Championship-winning team.

Staley’s hard work building a perennial National Championship contending program and molding some of the sport’s best players recently earned her a record-breaking contract extension.

Boston made an appearance on a January 21 episode of In Case You Missed It with Khristina Williams. And at one point, the Fever star (who was the No. 1 pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft) spoke about Staley’s impact on her in the wake of this contract.

“First and foremost, it is so deserving for Coach Staley,” Boston said of the contract extension. “No one else deserves to have that type of recognition, because she is just so amazing. I feel like I’ve said this so many times, that Coach Staley is like a second mom to me.”

Boston then relayed a story about Staley telling her to use her voice her freshman year and discussed the potential of being a captain and leader for the Gamecocks.

While she seemingly felt unsure of whether she was ready for this, Boston then added, “It just goes to show the confidence that she instills in you from such a young age. Like, she is not waiting for senior year or junior year… she’s like I know you have the voice, I know you have the confidence. You just have to be able to step into that role and embrace it.”

Boston soon became a leader for South Carolina after that, and has carried those leadership traits over to the Indiana Fever.