For years, Dawn Staley has been one of the most respected figures in women’s college basketball, guiding South Carolina to national prominence. But while her coaching prowess is well documented, there’s another aspect of her presence on the sidelines that has drawn curiosity—the colorful beaded necklace she wears during games.
Why Does Dawn Staley Wear a Necklace?
While many coaches have their signature styles, Staley’s necklace carries a much deeper meaning. It serves as a reminder of resilience, hope, and the power of human connection. Staley’s decision to wear the necklace is not a mere fashion statement. Instead, it holds sentimental value tied to a touching experience she had during a visit to a children’s hospital.
During an interview on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Staley explained the origins of her now-iconic accessory. She revealed that it was inspired by a young girl named Blakely, whom she met at the UVA Children’s Hospital.
Dawn Staley’s necklace she made earlier this summer at the UVA Health Children’s Hospital was beginning to wear.
This morning, she was greeted with a special surprise from one of her favorite people 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/aOKElHZqpn
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 23, 2024
“I do have a partnership with Aflac, and Aflac has taken me on the road to some incredible places,” Staley said.
“They took me back to UVA Children’s Hospital, where I got the chance to meet a young lady named Blakely who was going through cancer treatments.”
Aflac, known for its philanthropic efforts, provides special robotic therapy ducks to children undergoing cancer treatments. These “mood ducks” help young patients communicate their feelings when words fail them.
Staley witnessed firsthand how these small, thoughtful gestures could make a significant impact on a child’s emotional well-being.
During her time at the hospital, Staley participated in a scavenger hunt with the patients. It was during this activity that she connected with Blakely, who was allowed to make a necklace for her therapy duck.
Inspired by the moment, Staley decided to create a matching necklace for herself using the same color scheme Blakely had chosen.
It was a simple but powerful gesture, one that would go on to become an integral part of her game-day attire.
The Meaning Behind Staley’s Necklace
Staley has worn the beaded necklace throughout the entire season, using it as a symbol of perspective amid the pressures of coaching a championship-contending team.
“It gives me perspective,” she said.
“I mean, what we do is coach this game or play this game, when so many other people are going through much deeper things than us, and they have a much better outlook on it. Blakely, you would have never known what she was going through.”
The Gamecocks head coach recognizes that, while basketball is a competitive sport demanding focus, it pales in comparison to the battles fought by those dealing with serious health challenges. The necklace serves as a daily reminder that there are struggles far greater than wins and losses on the court.
This also reinforced the importance of gratitude and resilience. Staley has openly shared that she will continue wearing the necklace until the beads naturally fall off. It has signified her lasting commitment to honoring Blakely’s strength.
As the season progressed, Blakely made another heartfelt gesture, crafting a second necklace for Staley. The emotional moment was captured before South Carolina’s second-round matchup, with a recorded message from Blakely stating:
“Hey Coach Staley, I made you another necklace. I hope you like it. Good luck on your game.”
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Staley, visibly touched, wasted no time in putting on the new necklace. It has further strengthened her bond with the young girl who had already left a lasting impact on her life.
Now wearing two necklaces, Staley and her team carried that emotional weight into the NCAA Tournament. The team is aiming to complete an undefeated season with a national championship.
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