ESPN : Dawn Staley Becomes Guardian of Abandoned Newborn, Commits to Supporting Child Through Adulthood
Hall of Fame Coach’s Quiet Act of Compassion Sparks National Praise and Inspires a New Legacy Off the Court
COLUMBIA, SC — July 5, 2025
In a heart-stirring turn of events that transcends sports, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has made headlines not for winning another title, but for a personal act of humanity. The Hall of Famer and three-time NCAA champion has officially become the legal guardian of a newborn baby girl abandoned outside a Columbia church earlier this spring.
Authorities say the infant, just days old at the time, was discovered wrapped in a Gamecocks blanket and placed gently on the steps of Grace Trinity Baptist Church in early May. Alongside her was a handwritten note that simply read:
> “Please take care of her. Her name is Hope.”
According to sources close to the situation, Staley—who learned about the case through a community outreach program she supports—felt an instant connection.
> “It wasn’t a decision,” Staley told ESPN in an exclusive interview. “It was a calling. That little girl was placed there for a reason, and I wasn’t going to turn away.”
After weeks of working with local child services and the Department of Social Services, Staley was granted full guardianship of the infant, now officially named Hope Aliyah Staley. While Staley has never had biological children of her own, she’s long considered her players her “daughters,” guiding dozens of young women to success both on and off the court.
But this, she says, is something different.
> “I’ve taught players how to fight through adversity, how to lead, how to win. But now, I’ve been blessed with the chance to nurture a life from the very beginning.”
Reaction to Staley’s decision has been overwhelming. Social media exploded with tributes from fans, players, celebrities, and even political leaders. Former President Barack Obama posted:
> “Dawn Staley has always been a leader. Today, she reminded us what true leadership looks like—love, sacrifice, and stepping up when it matters most.”
The University of South Carolina released a statement expressing full support for Coach Staley, calling her “the heart of our institution.”
Despite her full coaching schedule, Staley says she has already restructured her life to make room for motherhood. She’s hired a licensed full-time caretaker to help during the season but plans to travel with Hope whenever possible, including to recruiting trips and away games.
Already, Hope has become a fixture at practices and team events, held lovingly by players who’ve nicknamed her “Mini Champ.”
WNBA legend and longtime friend Lisa Leslie weighed in, saying:
> “Dawn has spent her whole life lifting people up. Now she’s doing it in the most powerful way—giving a child a future.”
As for Staley, she remains grounded.
> “Basketball gave me a platform. This child gives me purpose,” she said, holding Hope close. “She may have been left at that church, but she will never feel abandoned again.”
Dawn Staley’s journey with baby Hope is already being chronicled in a feature-length documentary set to premiere on ESPN+ next spring: “Hope Rising: A Coach’s Second Legacy.”
