South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley made an emotional surprise video call to a group of Texas flood survivors currently staying at Mystic Camp, a temporary shelter and recovery site established in the wake of one of the state’s worst natural disasters in recent history.
The group, composed mostly of young survivors and their families, had no idea what was coming when staff gathered them in the camp’s main hall for what they thought was a routine wellness check-in. Moments later, a screen lit up with a live video feed—revealing none other than Dawn Staley, whose face appeared, filled with emotion and encouragement.
“Y’all are stronger than most people could ever imagine,” Staley told them, fighting back tears. “You’ve lost so much, but I see nothing but resilience, courage, and heart in every one of you.”
Camp counselors reported that the entire room fell silent before erupting into applause and sobs as Staley delivered her heartfelt message.
But the surprise didn’t stop there.
Staley then announced that once the group has stabilized and recovered, she will personally host a special retreat in the United Kingdom for the Mystic Camp survivors—a gesture intended to give them rest, joy, and a chance to heal in a peaceful and inspiring environment far from the disaster zone.
“I want to give you something to look forward to,” she said. “When the time is right, we’ll get on a plane and take this strength of yours to a place where you can breathe, dream again, and know you’re surrounded by love.”
According to her staff, Staley has already begun coordinating with international partners to secure venues, travel arrangements, and counselors who will join the UK retreat as part of a longer-term emotional recovery program.
The reaction from the survivors has been overwhelmingly emotional.
“I didn’t know someone like her even knew we were here,” said 13-year-old Mariella Cruz, who lost her home and school in the floods. “She made me believe that someone really sees us.”
Local officials and national recovery coordinators have praised Staley’s actions, calling them “a reminder of the human spirit’s power to reach across distance and disaster with kindness.”
This is not the first time Dawn Staley has stepped forward in times of crisis. Known for her powerful voice off the court, she has championed education access, civil rights, and relief efforts around the country. But this deeply personal moment with survivors has struck a unique chord—underscoring her reputation not just as a coach, but as a national figure of compassion and strength.
As the flood recovery continues in Texas, her promise of a UK retreat now stands as a powerful symbol of hope: a reminder that from even the darkest places, healing can begin with just one voice—and one unexpected call.
