He Had No Life Jacket, No Plan — Just Heart. When the Texas Flood Hit, 70‑Year‑Old “Mr. Dick” Ran Into the Water … What Dawn Staley Did Next Left Thousands in Tears

When the devastating Texas flood struck, communities were unprepared and overwhelmed. But amidst chaos, one unlikely hero emerged: a 70-year-old Texan affectionately known as “Mr. Dick.” With no life jacket or rescue equipment—just immense courage—he waded into the raging waters to save a stranded woman trapped in her car. His improvised but unstoppable bravery captured hearts far beyond the flood zone.

It was just a typical summer afternoon until flash floods transformed roads into torrents. Witnesses recall seeing Mr. Dick standing on a flooded embankment, surveying the danger. Without hesitation, he charged in. “He jumped in without thinking,” one onlooker recounted. “He kept looking back to make sure others were safe. He literally risked his life.” Against all odds, he reached the flooding car, smashed a window, and hauled the woman to safety. He emerged, soaked, exhausted—but unbowed.

Word of Mr. Dick’s heroism spread quickly. That’s when Dawn Staley, WNBA legend and coach extraordinaire, got wind of what had happened. Known for her leadership on and off the court, Staley felt compelled to act—not with words, but with action. In a surprising move, she flew to Texas, carrying more than just well-wishes. Arriving at the shelter where Mr. Dick was recovering, she knelt beside him and embraced him as fans and flood survivors watched in awe.

Then, she announced a personal and heartfelt gift: Staley pledged to fund Mr. Dick’s medical bills, a downpayment on a new wheelchair-accessible home, and seed money for a small fund in his name—to aid other unsung heroes in natural disasters.

The room erupted in emotion. Cameras—be they owned by news crews or bystanders—captured a tear-streaked Mr. Dick, overwhelmed by the dignity of Staley’s kindness. Others wept too, strangers drawn together by raw humanity. “It reminded me of why heroes matter,” said a Texas teacher present. “Mr. Dick’s bravery, Dawn Staley’s humility and compassion—it’s a lesson for all of us.”

It wasn’t a photogenic charity event or glossy PR campaign. It was a simple exchange between legends: a community hero and a sports icon, joined by mutual respect and shared values. Staley said afterward: “This wasn’t about a spotlight. It’s about small acts powerful enough to rip open the lens of human concern. Mr. Dick showed up. I just wanted to help him show up again.”

Thousands have now watched the viral clip—a coach comforting a stranger she never met, and a humble hero receiving more than just gratitude. The story spurred local businesses to contribute, neighbors to volunteer, and prompted a broader conversation: What can each of us do when desperate times demand courage?

The floodwaters are receding, but the deeper impact of their story will linger. Beyond any win-loss columns or highlight reels, Dawn Staley and Mr. Dick delivered a spotlight moment on compassion. And in doing so, they reminded us that real victories often happen when someone—anyone—steps forward, unplanned, ready to help.

Mr. Dick’s bravery and Dawn Staley’s response left thousands in tears. But more importantly, it left a legacy: of small people doing big things, and small kindnesses moving mountains.

Analyst Explains Major Challenge South Carolina, Dawn Staley Could Face Without MiLaysia Fulwiley; Who Could Fill Her Void?

Dawn Staley watched her backcourt get gutted this offseason. MiLaysia Fulwiley’s shocking transfer to LSU left a gaping hole in South Carolina’s championship plans. But Staley didn’t panic. Instead, she landed the biggest prize in the transfer portal, a player who makes Fulwiley’s departure look like an addition by subtraction.

What Did South Carolina Lose When MiLaysia Fulwiley Left for LSU?

According to Youtuber Prime Field’s analysis, “perhaps the most significant loss is Milaysia Fulwiley’s transfer to LSU. Fulwiley brought dynamic scoring ability and had developed a strong following among South Carolina fans.” The impact goes far beyond the numbers on the stat sheet.

The analyst noted that “these departures represent more than just individual players leaving. They represent the loss of specific skill sets, experience, and established chemistry within Staley’s system.” That chemistry takes years to build and can’t be replaced overnight.

Fulwiley averaged 11.8 points per game across two seasons while coming off the bench, providing instant offense whenever South Carolina needed a spark. Her SEC Sixth Woman of the Year award showed how much damage she could do in limited minutes.

Beyond the production, her departure stings because Fulwiley was a homegrown Columbia talent who initially chose to stay home. Now she’s gone to LSU, taking away a fan favorite while strengthening a conference rival.

How Can Ta’Niya Latson Fill the Backcourt Void?

Staley’s answer to losing Fulwiley came in the form of Ta’Niya Latson, who analysts believe represents a major upgrade. Prime Field emphasized that “Ta’niya Latson’s transfer from Florida State represents the most significant acquisition.”

The guard “led the nation in scoring with 25.2 points per game and was ranked as the No. 1 transfer portal player available.” That production level makes Fulwiley’s 11.8 points per game look modest by comparison.

Latson brings elite offensive firepower to South Carolina’s backcourt. Her 25.2 points per game made her the third player in ACC history to reach 2,000 career points in three seasons.

The analyst noted that “Latson brings elite offensive playmaking to a program that must replace significant scoring production. Her ability to create her own shot and facilitate for teammates addresses the backcourt void.”

However, Latson’s value extends beyond raw scoring numbers. She shot 45.1% from the field and improved her three-point shooting to 34.3% while maintaining an 81.8% free throw percentage in the 2024-25 season.

Her 4.6 assists per game show the playmaking ability that Dawn Staley specifically highlighted, calling it a “superpower” alongside her scoring. This dual-threat capability makes Latson more than just a scorer.

The reunion with Raven Johnson adds another dimension, as the duo won three state championships and the 2021 GEICO National Championship together at Westlake High School. That history provides instant chemistry between the two players.

While Latson may need time to adjust defensively to Staley’s system, her proven track record suggests she’ll adapt quickly. As a team co-captain at Florida State who delivered clutch performances, she brings the leadership and mental toughness that fit South Carolina’s championship culture.