When Dawn Staley learned that Mrs. Alma Robinson, the housekeeper who had watched over her as a child, was still cleaning homes at 80 years old, she was stunned.

The woman who had inspired her wildest dreams of basketball greatness and stood up for her in her toughest moments was now struggling to get by…..

When Dawn Staley, now one of the most respected figures in women’s basketball, discovered that her former childhood housekeeper, Mrs. Alma Robinson, was still working tirelessly cleaning homes at the age of 80, she was deeply moved.

Alma wasn’t just a housekeeper—she was a guiding light during Dawn’s formative years. From braiding her hair in the early mornings to tying her sneakers before practice, Alma had been a steady and nurturing presence. She supported Dawn with quiet strength through both struggles and triumphs, offering words of encouragement that stayed with her well into adulthood.

Years later, when Staley learned that Alma was still doing physical labor just to make ends meet, she was heartbroken. The hands that once cared for her with love and patience were now worn and aching from decades of hard work. It was a moment that hit Dawn deeply, not just because of the physical toll on Alma, but because of what this woman had meant to her life.

Determined to give back to the woman who had given her so much, Staley took action.

Her first step was to fulfill a heartfelt promise she’d made as a child—a promise to repay Alma’s kindness if she ever had the means. But what followed went far beyond a single act of gratitude.

Staley’s gesture sparked a broader movement focused on recognizing and uplifting unsung heroes like Alma—those who quietly shape lives through love, service, and sacrifice. Her actions have since touched countless others, turning a private vow into a powerful legacy of compassion and respect.

South Carolina’s Dawn Staley describes LSU’s MiLaysia Fulwiley as ‘younger, savvier’ version of herself

Although MiLaysia Fulwiley is now an LSU Tiger, the former Gamecock was highlighted by South Carolina coach Dawn Staley in her new autobiography, “Uncommon Favor.”

When talking about the guard, Staley described Fulwiley as “Dawn 2.0” because of the similarities in their personalities.

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“The irony that I am coaching a younger, savvier version of myself is not lost on me,” Staley wrote. “I have heard from so many adults who gave their own parents hell, only to see their teenagers return the favor. Now, it’s my turn in the barrel.”

Since she saw a lot of her own traits in Fulwiley, Staley used a different coaching style with her. She did not yell at Fulwiley or call her out in front of her teammates — not due to preferential treatment, but because Staley knew yelling at her would not make Fulwiley a better player.

However, there was an instance when Staley had to stray away from this method of coaching. In the book, she speaks of a time when she called out Fulwiley in front of her teammates because of the guard’s attitude.

“MiLaysia didn’t like the fact that she didn’t play a whole lot in a game and was making a stink about it,” Staley recounted. “I had to let her know that one, it doesn’t do me any good to have her sitting on the bench. And two, 90 percent of the time in her short career, she’d been on the floor at the end of the game. You riding the bench means somebody else is getting it done. Be happy for them. Don’t say things you will regret.”

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This proved to be fruitful. Following the game, Staley asked the team for feedback on their team dynamic. When it was Fulwiley’s turn to speak, she admitted she could have handled things better. Staley was happy with her self-awareness and accountability, calling it a “baby step toward a better habit.

Liberty set WNBA record with scorching outside shooting performance in blowout win over Sky

Despite the growing connection between Staley and Fulwiley, South Carolina’s offseason has been headlined by Fulwiley’s decision to enter the transfer portal and leave South Carolina. In a recent appearance on “The Breakfast Club” show, Staley revealed she finished the book months before Fulwiley decided to entered the transfer portal. However, she noted nothing she wrote about Fulwiley came as a surprise to the player.

Staley also explained she cares for Fulwiley and still believes that she’s a generational talent, adding she would be cheering for Fulwiley at her next stop —  exception for when LSU plays South Carolina.

“I really do want our players happy, whether that’s with us or somewhere else. Just be happy,” Staley said. “I told her, ‘Don’t look back. I know it’s probably going to be hard to not look back to see you leaving your hometown and all that.’ I said, ‘Don’t look back. You are always going to be a Gamecock. You are always going to be welcomed here.’ I wish her the best.”