“Tears, Triumph, and Tribute: A’ja Wilson’s Emotional Words at Dawn Staley’s Statue Unveiling Leave Crowd in Awe”
Columbia, SC — July 25, 2025 — What began as a celebration quickly turned into a powerful moment of legacy and love as South Carolina legend A’ja Wilson delivered a soul-stirring tribute during the unveiling of a bronze statue honoring her former coach, Dawn Staley, in Columbia, SC.
Set against the backdrop of the University of South Carolina’s Colonial Life Arena, the statue unveiling drew hundreds of fans, alumni, current players, and sports icons. But it was A’ja Wilson — the WNBA MVP and centerpiece of Staley’s 2017 national championship team — who brought the crowd to tears.
> “She didn’t just change the game — she changed our lives,” Wilson said, her voice shaking. “This statue isn’t just bronze. It’s blood, sweat, and every barrier she broke for girls like me.”
Wilson’s heartfelt words captured the essence of what Dawn Staley means to the sport and the city. The statue, which shows Staley confidently holding a basketball and pointing forward — symbolic of her leadership and vision — now stands tall as the first of its kind in Columbia honoring a Black female coach.
Staley, who led the Gamecocks to multiple national titles and became a global ambassador for women’s basketball, kept her own speech short but impactful:
> “This isn’t just my legacy. It’s our legacy — every girl who didn’t think she could, now knows she can.”
Social media quickly lit up with clips from the ceremony. Fans praised the moment as “history in real time,” while others called Wilson’s tribute “Oscar-worthy.” Even NBA stars and WNBA legends chimed in, saluting both women for their enduring impact.
The event marked a milestone not just in sports, but in cultural representation. Staley’s statue is now more than a symbol — it’s a statement, one that says excellence knows no bounds when backed by grit, community, and heart.
