COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – Ahead of the first day of school, Gamecock Women’s Basketball Coach Dawn Staley is helping the kids go back in style.

It’s part of a back-to-school bash hosted in partnership with Richland School District One and Absolute Total Care.

Whether it was kid selling their own science products, or coming to get a bag of school supplies before the semester, Coach Dawn Staley says giving back to the community holds a special place in her heart.

“There are pockets of the communities that need help,” said Staley. “So we want to be on the grounds in the communities of places that are enthused about us being here.”

“The shoes are a big thing. It’s a big thing for me. As a kid when I was growing up, I didn’t care what I looked like from my ankles up.”

It’s just one part of a larger effort to give back to the community. South Carolina Gamecock Women’s Basketball head coach Dawn Staley’s Inner Sole Foundation is partnering with organizations for a back-to-school bash.

“Notebook paper, composition books. These kinds of things that kids are going to need to get back to school next week,” said Absolute Total Care’s Monya Terry.

Each child who got a pair of shoes was able to take home a personal picture with Coach Staley after getting their school supplies.

Little Girl’s Question to Dawn Staley About God Brings Tears

A little girl’s innocent question to South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley about God left everyone in tears. The encounter, which took place after a recent game, showcased Staley’s deep faith and emotional vulnerability, resonating with fans and players alike.

The young girl, her voice trembling with curiosity, approached Staley during a post-game event and asked, “Coach, what does God mean to you?” The simplicity of the question caught Staley off guard, and for a moment, the usually composed coach paused, her eyes welling up with tears. The crowd fell silent, hanging on her every word as she gathered herself to respond.

With a voice thick with emotion, Staley began, “God is everything to me. He’s the reason I’m standing here today, the reason my team finds strength when things get tough. He’s carried us through losses and lifted us to victories.” Her words, raw and unfiltered, reflected her unwavering Christian faith, a cornerstone of her life and coaching philosophy.

As she continued, Staley shared a personal story about how her faith helped her cope with the devastating loss of her mother, Estelle, and the challenges of rebuilding her team after setbacks. “When you’re at your lowest, God shows up in ways you can’t imagine,” she said, her voice breaking. “He’s funny like that—He rips your heart out, but then He fills it with hope.”

The little girl, visibly moved, began to cry as Staley knelt down to hug her, tears streaming down both their faces. The tender exchange sparked a wave of emotion throughout the room, with fans and players wiping away tears. Some were touched by Staley’s authenticity, while others felt a shared connection to the power of faith in overcoming adversity.

This moment underscored Staley’s reputation as not just a remarkable coach—leading the Gamecocks to multiple national championships—but also a figure of inspiration. Her openness about her beliefs, often expressed after games with phrases like “To God be the glory,” has long been a part of her public persona. Yet, this encounter with the little girl added a new layer of humanity to her story, reminding everyone that behind the victories and accolades lies a deeply spiritual journey.

As the crowd applauded, Staley stood, still holding the girl’s hand, and offered a final thought: “Keep asking those questions, sweetheart. God listens, and He answers in His own time.” The room erupted in a mix of cheers and sobs, a testament to the profound impact of her words.

This emotional exchange will likely be remembered as one of the most touching moments in Staley’s career, blending her athletic legacy with a powerful expression of faith that touched hearts across the board.