Dawn Staley is one of the most recognizable figures in basketball, and the South Carolina coach has been paying tribute to a young girl fighting leukemia during March Madness
Dawn Staley has been wearing necklaces as a homage to Blakely during South Carolina’s March Madness run (
Image: Getty Images)
ESPN reporter Holly Rowe was reduced to tears after watching the segment outlining Dawn Staley’s connection to young girl Blakely battling leukemia.
Having defeated Tennessee Tech and Indiana in the opening two rounds, South Carolina fought off No. 4 Maryland in the Sweet Sixteen. MiLaysia Fulwiley led the scoring, putting up 23 points while Chloe Kitts delivered an impressive double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds in the 71-67 victory as the Gamecocks continued their title defense.
Ahead of the Elite Eight showdown with Duke, South Carolina head coach Staley was surprised by ESPN with a message from Blakely, the young girl fighting leukemia that the three-time national champion is supporting. Throughout the No. 1 Gamecocks’ run in March Madness, Staley has been seen on the sidelines adorned in bracelets and necklaces – and Blakely is the reason why.
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Rowe posted a clip of the segment ESPN aired of Staley’s connection to Blakely, and said: “We are all crying. Blakely is the little girl who Dawn Staley was inspired by as she fights leukemia. Coach Staley’s necklaces she always wears are in Blakely’s honor. ESPN surprised coach with a sweet message today!”
Fans immediately responded, with universal praise saved for Staley. One fan posted: “This Dawn Staley segment, man. It’s so much more than just hoops.” Another praised the iconic head coach, writing: “Dawn Staley is gonna go down as one of the best coaches the sport has ever had and people still question her motives. It’s crazy.”
When asked how many bracelets she wears on a day-to-day basis during March Madness, the 54-year-old told reporters: “A lot. I mean, I just- when young people give me the bracelets I just immediately put them on. And I think [Sania] Feagin counted them. I think I’m up to 28. Doesn’t look like 28. Just people customize it for me and I figure I will wear them until they break.”
We are all crying. Blakely is the little girl who Dawn Staley was inspired by as she fights leukemia. Coach Staley’s necklaces she always wears are in Blakely’s honor. ESPN surprised coach with a sweet message today! pic.twitter.com/2gJvz9uXma
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) March 29, 2025
Staley then explained the meaning behind her excessive number of bracelets, outlining that she does it for a young woman fighting for her life. She said: “The biggest story is, you know, two of the necklaces that I wear are from one person, a young lady, and her name is Blakely, who’s going through cancer treatments.
“I mean, gives me a perspective of, yes, we’re preparing for a second-round game. She’s probably preparing for a second surgery or 22nd treatment. So helps give me perspective. The other one is a young man that I met here at the children’s hospital who suffers from sickle cell.
“So I had a cousin that passed from sickle cell, so gives me perspective on what we’re doing, where we are, and really for us, although we think it’s our world, our passion, what we do, it really is just basketball. When you put it in perspective of what other people have to go through.”
Staley and the Gamecocks are targeting a fourth NCAA championship in nine years. South Carolina will face No. 2 Duke in the Elite Eight of March Madness on Sunday, March 30.
