COLUMBIA, S.C. — Dawn Staley, the legendary head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, has been awarded the prestigious National Football Foundation (NFF) Gold Medal—an honor rarely given outside of football, but one she unquestionably earned through her extraordinary impact on sports and society.
Staley’s career is a blueprint for excellence. She is one of the few coaches in history to win NCAA titles as both a player and a coach, having transformed South Carolina into a powerhouse program with multiple national championships. But beyond her coaching accolades, it’s her commitment to community and social change that sets her apart.
In 2000, Staley founded the **Dawn Staley Foundation** in her native Philadelphia. The organization offers middle school girls after-school programs focused on academics, leadership, and sports. Her goal? To empower underserved youth with tools for success both on and off the court.
She has consistently led with generosity—most notably in 2021, when she shared her $25,000 NCAA championship bonus with her coaching staff, reflecting her belief in teamwork and shared success.
A fierce advocate for equality, Staley uses her platform to fight for gender equity in sports. She has been a vocal leader for women’s rights, social justice, and civic engagement, often encouraging her players to be active citizens and future leaders.
“Receiving the NFF Gold Medal is more than a personal honor,” Staley said. “It represents the power of using sport as a platform for good.”
Her influence reaches far beyond basketball. Admired by athletes and coaches across disciplines, Staley’s integrity, philanthropy, and trailblazing leadership reflect the very values the NFF Gold Medal was designed to honor.
She will be formally honored during the National Football Foundation’s Annual Awards Dinner in New York City later this year—joining an elite group that includes U.S. presidents, military leaders, and sports icons.