COLUMBIA, SC – May 16, 2025 – Dawn Staley, the legendary head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, has pledged a transformative $7.5 million to aid homeless and underprivileged youth in Columbia. Announced today at a press conference outside Colonial Life Arena, this monumental donation will fund critical programs providing shelter, education, and mentorship, reinforcing Staley’s legacy as a champion for both basketball excellence and community upliftment.
Staley, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, has led the Gamecocks to three NCAA championships (2017, 2022, 2024) and eight SEC titles since taking the helm in 2008. Her 2023-24 team went undefeated at 38-0, cementing her as one of the sport’s greatest coaches. Beyond the court, Staley’s commitment to social justice and youth empowerment has made her a beloved figure in South Carolina. Her $7.5 million gift, one of the largest individual donations to Columbia’s social services, addresses the city’s homelessness crisis, with over 1,200 individuals, including many youth, reported as unhoused in recent Richland County surveys.
“Columbia and South Carolina have embraced me and this program,” Staley said, surrounded by players and university officials. “This donation is about giving back to the young people who need it most. I want them to know they’re seen and supported.” The funds, drawn from Staley’s personal earnings and endorsements, will be distributed through partnerships with local organizations, including Transitions Homeless Center and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands.
The donation will be allocated over five years, with $4 million dedicated to Transitions Homeless Center to expand shelter and transitional housing programs, serving over 1,000 youth annually. Another $2 million will fund the Boys & Girls Clubs’ mentorship and scholarship initiatives, targeting underprivileged youth pursuing education or vocational training. The remaining $1.5 million will enhance mental health and addiction recovery services, addressing critical gaps in Columbia’s underserved communities.
The announcement has sparked widespread admiration, with fans on X posting, “Dawn Staley’s $7.5M for Columbia’s youth is incredible! She’s a true leader.” The gift coincides with the Gamecocks’ 2024-25 season, where the team, currently 8-1 and ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, is poised for another title run. Staley’s generosity has inspired her players, with senior guard Raven Johnson noting, “Coach Staley’s heart for this community pushes us to play for something bigger.”
“Dawn Staley is the soul of our program and our city,” said university president Michael Amiridis. “This donation will transform lives and reflects her commitment to making a difference. We’re honored to have her leading our Gamecocks.” The gift aligns with the university’s community outreach, including the Gamecock Reach program, which supports local charities.
Advocates have hailed the donation as a game-changer. “Dawn Staley’s contribution will provide hope and opportunity to countless young people,” said Tracy Glantz, executive director of Transitions Homeless Center. “This funding allows us to scale our services and empower youth to thrive.” Boys & Girls Clubs CEO Carter Clark added, “This gift will open doors for kids to achieve their dreams.”
Staley’s ties to Columbia run deep. A Philadelphia native, she transformed South Carolina into a women’s basketball powerhouse, coaching stars like A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston. Her advocacy for equity in sports and her mentorship of young athletes have earned her national acclaim, including four Naismith Coach of the Year awards. The donation builds on her Dawn Staley Foundation, which supports youth in Philadelphia and Columbia.
As the Gamecocks prepare for a matchup against UConn, Staley’s gift has galvanized the community. Fans at Colonial Life Arena are expected to honor her during the next home game, with a planned tribute celebrating her impact. The donation complements her ongoing philanthropy, including support for local schools and food drives.
With this historic $7.5 million donation, Dawn Staley is not only preserving her legacy as a coaching icon but also fostering a stronger, more compassionate Columbia. Her generosity serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring the next generation to rise above challenges and pursue greatness, just as she has done on and off the court.
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