In the ongoing rivalry between collegiate basketball powerhouses, South Carolina’s Dawn Staley delivered a masterful retort to UConn coach Geno Auriemma without mentioning his name. The three-time national championship coach stood proudly as Columbia unveiled her 14-foot bronze statue on April 30, 2025, marking a significant milestone for women’s basketball.
Auriemma had previously scoffed at programs honoring single championship athlets saying “Most other places, if you win one national championship, they build a statue to you outside the building. Here, they won’t even let you get to the front of the bus.” His comments sparked outrage among Gamecocks fans who viewed it as a direct jab at South Carolina’s statue of A’ja Wilson.
Staley Sets the Record Straight About A’ja Wilson’s Monument
During her ceremony speech, Staley addressed with remarkable poise. “This honor is an interesting one for me. If I’m being completely honest, having a statue in my image was never a goal or even a thought. When conversations began honoring A’ja Wilson with her statue, which is erected just a few blocks from where we stand today, I’ll admit I wanted hers to be the only one ever.”
Dawn Staley had words for Geno Auriemma at her statue reveal 👀
(via @SNYUConn, @FamouslyGarnet) pic.twitter.com/kXmrLHykPJ
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 30, 2025
Staley then delivered her most pointed response to Auriemma’s criticism: “And contrary to the belief of one of my coaching colleagues, her statue wasn’t in response to winning a national championship. It was in response to being a winner at life.” The crowd erupted in applause as Staley emphasized the deeper meaning behind honoring Wilson.
Beyond Championships: Honoring Character and Community Impact
The towering bronze monument depicting Staley holding a championship net atop a ladder stands as a testament to her transformative impact on South Carolina basketball.
Despite leading the Gamecocks to three national championships and seven Final Four appearances, Staley has consistently diverted attention from her achievements to her players’ accomplishments.
Staley further explained the significance of Wilson’s statue, calling it “a tribute to a hometown hero, a symbol of what’s possible for the youth of Columbia when passion meets preparedness.”
This sentiment reflects Staley’s philosophy of using basketball as a platform for broader community impact rather than merely counting trophies.
The statue unveiling represents more than athletic achievement; it symbolizes Staley’s leadership in elevating women’s basketball and championing her players above herself.
While Auriemma’s programs traditionally honor stars with banners rather than statues, South Carolina’s approach celebrates not just championships but character, community service, and lasting legacy.
Fans have rallied behind Staley, viewing her response as the perfect demonstration of her class and dignity. By focusing on the meaning behind the monuments rather than engaging in public feuds, Staley continues to lead by example.
KEEP READING: 10 Most Valuable Women’s College Basketball Programs in 2025 Include UConn, South Carolina
Her statue now stands as a permanent reminder that true greatness extends beyond championship counts to the lives touched and barriers broken.
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