Black Excellence: Dawn Staley Honored With Her Own Statue in Columbia, South Carolina [Video]

Basketball icon Dawn Staley has been honored with her very own statue.

Video

A bronze likeness of the University of South Carolina basketball coach was unveiled in downtown Columbia, capturing Staley atop a ladder, cutting down championship nets while wearing a Gamecock hat. The ceremony took place at the corner of Senate and Lincoln Street, a short distance from A’ja Wilson’s statue, which was revealed in 2021.

The project, which started in February 2023, is a collaboration between the City of Columbia, Statues for Equality, and local donors. Statues for Equality aims to increase public monuments recognizing women’s contributions, and when the organization asked Mayor Daniel Rickenmann for a name symbolizing impact in Columbia, Staley was his immediate choice.

The statue was created by artists Gillie and Marc in 2024. The final design showcases Staley holding a basketball net, an iconic image for fans who’ve seen her celebrate championship victories at Colonial Life Arena.

“This tribute celebrates not only her championship legacy as a coach and player, but also her unwavering commitment to leadership, community empowerment, and uplifting future generations,” said the City of Columbia.

Staley has led the Gamecocks since 2008, guiding them to three national titles and seven Final Four appearances, unprecedented achievements for the program. Staley is now the highest-paid coach in women’s college basketball, holding the record with a contract extension that started with an annual salary of $4 million.