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Dawn Staley Didn’t Want Statue After Big A’ja Wilson Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mathey Gibson | Last updated Apr 30, 2025 5:28 PM ET

Dawn Staley’s impact on South Carolina women’s basketball has earned her legendary status — but the Hall of Fame coach didn’t initially want a statue of herself.

As the city of Columbia prepared to unveil Staley’s statue on Wednesday, the longtime Gamecocks coach revealed she once hoped A’ja Wilson’s monument would be the only one standing.

“Contrary to the belief of one of my coaching colleagues, her statue wasn't in response to winning a national championship,” Staley said. “It was in response to being a winner at life.”

Staley has guided South Carolina to three national titles, seven Final Four appearances, and nine SEC Tournament championships. She’s also coached Wilson — a national champion and WNBA MVP — into one of the sport’s most recognizable stars.

Dawn Staley says she wanted A'ja Wilson's statue to be the only one around.

"Contrary to the belief of one of my coaching colleagues, her statue wasn't in response to winning a national championship. It was in response to being a winner at life."@GamecockWBB @wachfox pic.twitter.com/KD4mi6QZeQ
— Jared Parker (@jaredparkertv) April 30, 2025

Wilson’s statue, unveiled in 2021, sits in front of Colonial Life Arena. Staley’s will now join it, located just a half mile away at the intersection of Senate Street and Lincoln Street in Columbia.

Despite all the accolades and championship banners, Staley made it clear she didn’t push for this moment.

The unveiling comes just weeks after South Carolina’s run to a fourth national title fell short in the championship game against UConn and Paige Bueckers.

But the celebration this week isn’t about wins and losses — it’s about legacy.

Staley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.

Her coaching influence stretches well beyond the court and into the culture of Columbia.

And even if she didn’t want the statue, South Carolina made sure she’d have one anyway.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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