COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — Preparations are underway for the unveiling of a statue honoring South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley.
The statue will be located at the intersection of Senate Street and Lincoln Street in Columbia, positioned between the University of South Carolina’s Colonial Life Arena and the State House.
Staley’s coaching career at South Carolina has redefined excellence in women’s college basketball. She has led the Gamecocks to three NCAA national championships (2017, 2022, and 2024) and multiple Final Four appearances, transforming the program into a national powerhouse.
She is the first Black coach in NCAA Division I basketball history, men’s or women’s, to win three national championships.
Before her coaching tenure, Staley was a standout player, winning three Olympic gold medals with Team USA and earning induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
Off the court, she is widely respected as an advocate for social justice, gender equity, and inclusion, frequently using her platform to support underrepresented communities and speak out on issues of national importance.
During the ceremony, Staley said, “I agreed to the statue, not for me, but for the girl who would walk by one day and wonder who I was. Maybe she’ll look me up, she’ll see that I did some things in basketball of course, but hope she sees much more. I hope she sees that I was a champion for equity and equality, that in my own way I pushed for change. That I stood proudly in the space God called me to inhabit, not as someone perfect or extraordinary but as a regular girl who used her gifts to open doors so other girls wouldn’t have to knock as hard.”
Wednesday’s unveiling is the result of a partnership between the City of Columbia, Statues for Equality, and local community organizations.
This tribute celebrates not only her championship legacy as a coach and player, but also her unwavering commitment to leadership, community empowerment, and uplifting future generations. Dawn Staley’s influence continues to inspire both on and off the court, and this statue stands as a lasting symbol of excellence, resilience, and pride for Columbia and the entire state of South Carolina.
Those wishing to attend the ceremony can find the ceremony at the intersection of Senate St. and Lincoln St. (900 Senate St, Columbia, SC 29201), located right next to the University of South Carolina Pastides Alumni Center.
News
Secret images emerge of Erling Haaland privately talking with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez after last night’s quarterfinal
Secret images emerge of Erling Haaland privately talking with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez after last night’s quarterfinal. An important discussion about the Norwegian striker’s future took place, and coach Pep Guardiola was clearly unhappy about it. The Midnight Rendezvous:…
IT’S OFFICIAL – DONE DEAL! The wait is over: Pep Guardiola’s permanent replacement at Manchester City has finally been revealed!
IT’S OFFICIAL – DONE DEAL! The wait is over: Pep Guardiola’s permanent replacement at Manchester City has finally been revealed! See exactly why he was the one chosen (this decision has already sent shockwaves through the football world) Full details &…
URGENT UPDATE BEFORE THE FINAL! Marc Guehi has been shockingly “ruled out” at the last minute — but that’s not the only thing throwing the Man City dressing room into chaos…
URGENT UPDATE BEFORE THE FINAL! Marc Guehi has been shockingly “ruled out” at the last minute — but that’s not the only thing throwing the Man City dressing room into chaos… Inside sources reveal: this decision has sparked a high-tension…
“PRESSURE FROM THE TOP” Khaldoon Al Mubarak personally delivered a message to the squad just hours before the final against Arsenal: “Win at all costs.”
“PRESSURE FROM THE TOP” Khaldoon Al Mubarak personally delivered a message to the squad just hours before the final against Arsenal: “Win at all costs.” The order spread instantly throughout the Manchester City dressing room after the shock exit from…
POST-FINAL SHOCKER: “A MAN CITY STAR CROSSED THE LINE…” – EXPLOSIVE TUNNEL CLASH!
POST-FINAL SHOCKER: “A MAN CITY STAR CROSSED THE LINE…” – EXPLOSIVE TUNNEL CLASH! No one saw this coming… Wembley’s final whistle had barely blown, but the real fireworks were just getting started in the tunnel. POST-FINAL SHOCKER: “A MAN CITY…
BREAKING – DEAL CONFIRMED! HERE WE GO! Fabrizio Romano: It’s DONE. Manchester City have sealed the deal
BREAKING – DEAL CONFIRMED! HERE WE GO! Fabrizio Romano: It’s DONE. Manchester City have sealed the deal. Pep Guardiola has given the green light — £80 million for the sensational English-Brazilian wonderkid who’s currently one of the most coveted talents…
End of content
No more pages to load
