Dawn Staley Becomes Guardian of Abandoned Newborn, Commits to Supporting Child Through Adulthood
In a deeply touching and unexpected act of compassion, University of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has stepped in to become the legal guardian of a newborn baby found abandoned outside a Columbia medical center. Just five hours after the infant was discovered, Staley made the life-altering decision to provide the child not only with a home, but with a future.
The baby, a girl wrapped in a thin blanket and left in a safe haven drop-off area near a downtown Columbia hospital, was found by hospital staff early Tuesday morning. Authorities confirmed that the child was healthy and safely taken into care. Under South Carolina’s Safe Haven law, parents can leave newborns at designated locations without facing legal consequences, provided the baby is unharmed and under 60 days old.
As news of the baby’s abandonment spread, it reached Coach Staley, a prominent figure not only in the sports world but also within the Columbia community. Known for her leadership, integrity, and advocacy for youth, Staley quickly contacted the Department of Social Services and expressed her desire to take responsibility for the child.
By that afternoon, she had filed the necessary paperwork to become the child’s legal guardian and publicly pledged to cover all expenses related to the baby’s care—including housing, education, healthcare, and emotional support—until her 18th birthday.
In a statement shared with local media, Staley said, “This little girl was left with nothing, but she will have everything she needs from now on. Every child deserves love, safety, and a chance. I couldn’t stand by knowing she didn’t have that.”
Community members and fans across the country have praised the coach’s decision, calling it a testament to her character. Known for leading the Gamecocks to multiple NCAA championships and advocating for equality and education, Staley’s newest role may be her most personal and impactful yet.
While no information has been released about the identity of the child’s birth parents, authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing criminal investigation, and the baby remains in good health.
As Staley prepares for another season on the court, she is also embarking on a new journey—this time, not as a coach, but as a mother figure to a child who now has a future full of promise.
