COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) - A monumental day for women’s sports arrived on April 30, 2025, as the City of Columbia unveiled a statue honoring legendary University of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley. The grand reveal took place at the intersection of Senate Street and Lincoln Street, right next to the University of South Carolina Pastides Alumni Center, drawing a crowd of enthusiastic supporters and fans.
Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann proclaimed May as Coach Dawn Staley Month in the city, emphasizing the significance of the statue not only as a tribute to Staley’s remarkable achievements but also as a beacon of hope for young female athletes seeking equal recognition and support in sports. "This statue is a tribute, but it really doesn’t encompass what she’s delivered for us as a community, what she’s done for women’s sports, what she’s done for young people, especially young women," Rickenmann stated before the ceremony.
The statue, a striking 14 feet tall and weighing nearly 2,000 pounds, depicts a smiling Staley on a ladder, holding a basketball net as if she had just cut it down after winning a national championship. This bronze artwork, designed by Statues for Equality, has been in the works for over two years and cost $140,000, funded by an $80,000 grant from the organization along with support from 22 local business partners.
Staley, who has been at the helm of the Gamecocks since May 2008, has transformed the program into a powerhouse, leading the team to three national championships (2017, 2022, and 2024), seven NCAA Final Fours, nine SEC regular-season championships, and nine SEC Tournament titles. Her impressive record stands at 457 wins against just 110 losses, with only five seasons having more than ten losses.
During her speech after the statue’s unveiling, Staley expressed her initial reluctance to have a statue in her honor, stating, "When conversations began on honoring A’ja Wilson with her statue, I’ll admit I wanted hers to be the only one. Ever." However, she changed her mind after learning that only about 6% of statues around the world recognize women. "Remember that when women aren’t represented, half of the population is left out of retelling history on the many accomplishments women have had in shaping the world," she said.
Staley’s commitment to equity and representation is evident in her words: "I agreed to the statue not for me, but for the girl who will walk by one day and wonder who I was. Maybe, she’ll look me up. She’ll see that I did some things in basketball, of course, but I hope she sees much more. I hope she sees that I was a champion for equity and equality, that in my own way, I pushed for change." She highlighted the ongoing disparities women face, noting that women earn 84 cents on the dollar compared to men, and Black women earn only 66 cents.
Staley’s influence extends beyond the court, as she has become a role model for countless young athletes. Rickenmann praised her contributions, stating, "This is really, truly a celebration. It’s a testimony to all the hard work and it elevates us as a city." The statue serves not only as a recognition of Staley’s accomplishments but also as an inspiration for future generations.
The statue's location is particularly symbolic, positioned near the Columbia Convention Center and just half a mile from the statue of A’ja Wilson, another Gamecock legend. Originally, the statue was planned to be placed on the corner of Main and Gervais streets, but adjustments were made to ensure it would be in a more prominent location, visible from important city landmarks including the South Carolina State House.
As Columbia celebrates this significant addition to its public art, Staley’s legacy continues to inspire both on and off the court. In her 17 years with the Gamecocks, she has helped 13 players earn a total of 29 All-America selections and has seen 18 players drafted into the WNBA, with 11 of them being first-round picks.
Staley’s commitment to her players and the community is unwavering. As she prepares for the upcoming 2025-26 season with a revamped roster led by Florida State transfer Ta'Niya Latson, the anticipation for another championship run is palpable. Staley aims for a fourth national title, which would tie her with LSU's Kim Mulkey for the third-most in women’s college basketball history.
As the crowd cheered and celebrated the unveiling of the statue, it was clear that this moment was not just about honoring one individual, but about recognizing the broader impact of women in sports. The statue stands as a lasting symbol of excellence, resilience, and pride for Columbia and the entire state of South Carolina.
In a world where representation matters, the statue of Dawn Staley is a powerful reminder of the change that can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of equality. As Staley herself said, "I stood proudly in the space God called me to inhabit, not as someone perfect or extraordinary, but as a regular girl who used her gifts to open doors so other girls wouldn’t have to knock as hard." This message resonates deeply, inspiring the next generation to dream big and strive for greatness.
