On April 30, 2025, the city of Columbia, South Carolina, will unveil a statue honoring Dawn Staley. This statue will be a tribute to the accomplishments of the iconic head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team. However, the announcement, shared by ESPN Women’s Basketball on X, has sparked some debate among fans.
This debate rekindles comparisons between Staley and UConn’s legendary coach Geno Auriemma. While Staley’s impact is undeniable, some argue that Auriemma’s unparalleled resume makes the timing of Staley’s honor premature, fueling a broader discussion about recognition in women’s basketball.
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The statue, set to be unveiled at 4:00 p.m. ET outside the university’s Pastides Alumni Center at Senate Street and Lincoln Street, celebrates Staley’s 17-year tenure at South Carolina.
Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have won three NCAA championships, reached seven Final Fours, and secured nine SEC regular-season and tournament titles each.
Staley’s accolades include four Naismith Coach of the Year awards, two AP National Coach of the Year honors, and seven SEC Coach of the Year nods. Beyond the court, her commitment to community empowerment and mentorship has made her a pillar in Columbia.
“This tribute celebrates her championship legacy as a coach and player, her commitment to leadership, and uplifting future generations,” the city’s announcement stated.
Originally planned across from the South Carolina State House, the statue’s location was moved at Staley’s request. She insisted the area outside Colonial Life Arena be reserved for her players, like A’ja Wilson, who already has a statue there for her 2017 title.
Fans on X praised the honor, with one calling it “well deserved for an iconic player, coach, and mentor.” Another noted, “To get a statue while you’re still actively coaching is major.”
On the other hand, Geno Auriemma, UConn’s head coach since 1985, has an unmatched legacy: 12 NCAA titles, 14 Final Fours, and 1,216 wins as of April 2025, making him the winningest coach in NCAA women’s basketball history. Yet, UConn has not erected a statue for him, which is a point of contention for some fans.
One X user remarked, “Geno does NOT have a statue at UConn and he dwarfs Staley with 12 titles to 3. South Carolina is SO desperate for attention, they build statues for no reason.” The user also pointed to UConn’s Breanna Stewart, who won four titles but has no building named after her, questioning South Carolina’s standards.
South Carolina supporters argue and claim that the honor is beyond just titles. “If you don’t know the history of the University of South Carolina, you should sit this one out; it’s bigger than basketball,” an X user countered.
Staley, a Philadelphia native, has transformed a once-overlooked program into a national powerhouse, achieving 14 straight NCAA Tournament appearances. Her advocacy for equality in women’s sports and her role as a Black female coach breaking barriers solidifies her position as a legendary coach in the sport’s history.
“Dawn’s influence is cultural,” said Columbia mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “She’s a beacon for this community.”
Weighing the Debate
Auriemma’s 12 championships are a benchmark, but his program was already a contender when he arrived. Staley built South Carolina from the ground up, turning a football-centric school into a basketball juggernaut. Her three titles in 17 years rival Auriemma’s early pace when he won his third in 1995, a decade into his tenure.
However, Auriemma’s sustained excellence, including six undefeated seasons, sets a high bar. Some fans jested on X, “Geno the clown about to have a meltdown,” imagining his reaction to Staley’s honor.
The Staley-Auriemma debate highlights the issue and challenge of measuring greatness in women’s basketball. Staley’s statue will stand as a testament to her transformative and significant impact on her program.
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Meanwhile, Auriemma’s legacy, statue or not, remains untouchable for now. As both coaches continue to shape the sport, this conversation will most likely evolve further. For now, Staley’s honor on April 30 will cement her as a South Carolina icon; whether Auriemma gets a statue someday may depend on how UConn chooses to honor its own legend.
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