Dawn Staley statue unveiled in Columbia, SC

A statue honoring University of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley was unveiled Monday, April 21st, 2025 outside Colonial Life Arena.

The bronze statue depicts Staley holding a basketball and wearing a whistle, symbolizing both her playing and coaching careers. It stands on the same plaza where statues of Gamecocks legends like A’ja Wilson are located, marking another addition to the university’s recognition of sports excellence.

Staley has led the Gamecocks to multiple SEC titles and three NCAA championships, with the most recent title in 2024. She is also a former Olympian and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Photos by Henry Cooper, MidlandsBiz

The statue was commissioned by the University of South Carolina and funded through private donations. Several university officials, players, and community members attended the unveiling ceremony.

“This is for every little girl who dreams big,” Staley said during brief remarks at the event.

The statue is intended not just as a tribute to Staley’s achievements, but also as a symbol of progress in women’s athletics. It is one of the few public monuments in South Carolina honoring a Black woman.

Staley remains the head coach of the Gamecocks and continues to play a major role in college basketball, both on and off the court.

Dawn Staley Career Highlights

• 1989–1992: All-American point guard at the University of Virginia

• 1996–2004: Three-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA

• 2000–2006: WNBA player with Charlotte Sting and Houston Comets

• 2008: Hired as head coach of South Carolina women’s basketball

• 2017: Leads Gamecocks to their first NCAA championship

• 2020: Named head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team

• 2022 & 2024: Wins second and third NCAA titles with South Carolina

• 2025: Statue unveiled outside Colonial Life Arena