🏀 “SOUTH CAROLINA’S HEART OF GOLD: SHANNON JOHNSON HONORS DAWN STALEY WITH $12.2M COURT AND BRONZE TRIBUTE”
🏐 A $12.2 Million Gift Ignites Legacy
Former WNBA standout and Gamecock legend Shannon Johnson, hailing from Hartsville, SC, has donated her entire $12.2 million fortune to fund a state-of-the-art basketball court project under the leadership of Dawn Staley at the University of South Carolina. The facility will serve as both a training hub and a tribute to rising talent in women’s basketball .
Johnson declared, *“South Carolina pride lives within me wherever I go. This is not just about bricks and hardwood—it’s about believing in the young women who will wear that jersey after us.”*
🗽 Statue Unveiled: Bronze Tribute to Coaching Titan
On April 30, 2025, Columbia unveiled a powerful copper-bronze statue of Coach Dawn Staley—depicting her atop a ladder, draped in a net she just cut—positioned between the Colonial Life Arena and the State House .
The $174 000 project—financed in equal parts by Statues for Equality and community partners—features enhancements like benches and a dedicated plaza. Aflac even co-created a limited-edition T-shirt that reads “Keep Beating the Odds” to honor Staley’s legacy .
Staley personally chose the site near the SC Pastides Alumni Center to maintain the arena’s space for her players .
🎙️ Impact on Community and Women’s Sports
By the Numbers: Since Staley joined in 2008, the Gamecocks have captured three NCAA titles (2017, 2022, 2024), seven Final Four appearances, nine SEC tournament titles, and four Naismith Coach of the Year honors .
Symbolic Power: The statue is more than art—it’s a beacon of equity and female representation, amplifying visibility for women in sports .
A Legacy Cemented: Between Johnson’s donation and Columbia’s homage, Dawn Staley’s influence is being immortalized both physically and athletically.
🔭 What’s Next?
Court Plans Set in Motion: Construction on the new training facility, thanks to Johnson’s donation, will begin later this year, directly fueling the growth of South Carolina’s women’s basketball legacy.
A Hometown Send‑off: Columbia’s plaza is now a pilgrimage spot for fans, players, and students inspired by Staley’s journey and values.
Program Power: With superstar coach and superstar alumni working in tandem, this is more than a tribute—it’s a foundation for future champions.
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👏 Final Word
Shannon Johnson’s extraordinary generosity, paired with Columbia’s symbolic statue, sends a clear message: South Carolina is committed to excellence, equity, and enduring legacy in women’s basketball. The court won’t just train players—it’ll house dreams, grounded in the spirit of icon Dawn Staley.
