Columbia Celebrates Dawn Staley with Statue Unveiling
Columbia, SC – The City of Columbia honored renowned University of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley with the unveiling of a bronze statue on Senate Street, commemorating her remarkable achievements and advocacy for gender equality in sports. The statue depicts Staley cutting down a net from a ladder, symbolizing her legacy as a three-time national champion.
The event attracted notable figures, including coach Debbie Ryan, Gamecock legend Alex English, and former USC colleague Steve Spurrier. Mayor Daniel Rickenmann emphasized that the statue serves as an inspiration for young female athletes striving for equality in sports. Despite her initial hesitation about being memorialized, Staley was persuaded by Rickenmann and South Carolina Athletic Director Ray Tanner after learning that only 5% of statues worldwide honor women.
“I agreed to the statue, not for me, but for the girl who will walk by one day and wonder who I was,” Staley stated, reflecting on the deeper significance of her recognition. She expressed hope that her story would inspire future generations, illustrating her role as a champion for equity and equality.
Staley, who has reshaped the Gamecocks into a national basketball powerhouse since 2008, holds an impressive record that includes seven NCAA Final Fours, nine SEC regular-season championships, and three national titles. Her impact extends beyond the court, having mentored 18 WNBA Draft selections, including 11 first-round picks.
Fans, affectionately dubbed “FAMS,” gathered in large numbers to celebrate Staley, underscoring the remarkable transformation of the program into a national icon. “When you talk about women’s college basketball, everybody knows South Carolina,” said USC junior Josh Williams, capturing the essence of Staley’s enduring legacy.
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