Columbia to Unveil Dawn Staley Tribute Statue

The City of Columbia will unveil a statue at the intersection of Senate and Lincoln streets to honor Dawn Staley, the Hall of Fame coach who has led the South Carolina women's basketball program to three national championships, nine SEC titles, and multiple Final Four appearances. The statue, with the State House in view, celebrates Staley’s transformative impact on and off the court, recognizing her leadership, community empowerment, and inspiration to future generations. Staley has earned four Naismith Coach of the Year awards and continues to guide the Gamecocks through significant roster changes as key players enter the WNBA and new recruits join the team. She remains actively engaged in sustaining the program’s success through mentorship and recruiting. In addition to her coaching achievements, Staley is preparing to publish her autobiography, 'Uncommon Favor,' in 2025 and maintains ongoing commitments to social impact initiatives. The statue serves as a lasting tribute to Staley’s enduring legacy in basketball and her role as a vital mentor and role model.