So, like, Dawn Staley, the super awesome women’s basketball coach at the University of South Carolina, has this totally rad statue in Columbia, South Carolina. It’s like, this huge honor for her basketball skills and her fight for equality. The city of Columbia, along with Statues for Equality, put up this sick sculpture of Dawn Staley at the corner of Lincoln and Senate streets. The statue shows her cutting down nets and stuff, and it’s all about balancing gender and racial representation in statues.
The whole deal was unveiled on April 30, 2025, and everyone was there – Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, Aflac President Virgil Miller, Dawn Hyde, a pastor from Downtown Church, and of course, the legend herself, Dawn Staley. She’s all humble and deep, talking about how she didn’t want a statue at first, but then she was like, “Hey, maybe some little girl will see this and be inspired by more than just my basketball skills.”
Right next to Dawn’s statue is a sign for “I love you” in American Sign Language, which is a big thing for Gamecock fans. It’s like, a symbol of the city’s love for Coach Staley, showing that she’s more than just a basketball coach. She’s like, a hero to everyone, near and far.
Even with some politicians in South Carolina trying to hold onto old ideas, Dawn Staley’s image is still super important. The State House has all these old-school statues, but downtown Columbia is all about Dawn Staley and her legacy. A’ja Wilson’s parents were there too, and they were all emotional about the statue. A’ja couldn’t be there ’cause she was in training camp, but her mom was all proud and stuff.
In her speech, Dawn Staley talks about how she’s just a regular girl who used her talents to make a difference. She’s all about opening doors for other girls and being a role model. A’ja Wilson is proof that Dawn Staley is doing something right.
The unveiling was a big deal, with players from the women’s basketball team celebrating their coach. It’s like, a victory for everyone, not just for basketball fans. The statue represents more than just sports—it’s about equality and empowerment.
So yeah, Dawn Staley’s statue is a big deal in Columbia. It’s a symbol of everything she stands for and a reminder that she’s more than just a basketball coach. It’s like, a beacon of hope and inspiration for everyone who sees it.
And that’s the article, folks. Hope you enjoyed it!
