South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley thought she was set to discuss her team’s Sweet 16 win and upcoming Elite Eight matchup in a standard ESPN interview.
Instead, she was met with an emotional surprise that left her—and viewers—deeply touched. A heartwarming moment unfolded live on air, proving once again that the impact of sports extends far beyond the court.
Dawn Staley’s Emotional ESPN Moment with Young Fighter
On Saturday, following South Carolina’s hard-fought 71-67 victory over Maryland. Ahead of their Elite Eight clash against No. 2 Duke, Staley joined ESPN for an interview. Toward the end of the segment, the broadcast took a touching turn when 7-year-old Blakely Thompson appeared on screen.
The young girl, who has been battling leukemia, shares a close bond with Staley. Her surprise appearance was enough to bring a rare moment of emotion from the legendary coach.
Blakely is more than just a fan—she is the reason Staley wears two special necklaces every day. The young girl handcrafted them for the coach, making them deeply significant.
ESPN studio host Elle Duncan spoke with Blakely. She playfully asked the little girl to predict the outcome of the upcoming matchup between the No. 1-seeded Gamecocks (33-3) and the No. 2-seeded Duke Blue Devils (29-7). Blakely, brimming with excitement, nodded and flashed a wide smile.
“Who?” Duncan asked.
Without hesitation, Blakely confidently answered, “Coach Staley.”
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 first met Blakely in the summer of 2023 while visiting UVA Health Children’s Hospital, and their connection grew from there. A year later, amid March Madness 2024, Staley was surprised on ESPN with a new necklace from Blakely. It was because the original one had begun to wear down. The moment was just as touching then as it was now.
On Saturday, Blakely’s mother, Julie, provided a promising update on her daughter’s health for both Staley and viewers watching at home.
“Blakely is doing really well,” Julie told ESPN. “Hopefully, we only have about three more months of treatment, then she’ll be ringing that bell.”
The news was met with joy and encouragement from fans and supporters who have followed Blakely’s journey.
The Meaning Behind Staley’s Bracelets
During the first round of March Madness in Columbia, South Carolina, Staley was asked about the necklaces and bracelets she wears so often. The coach, known for her leadership and emotional intelligence, offered a response that put everything in perspective.
“For us, it’s our world, it’s our passion, it’s what we do,” Staley said, referring to basketball. “It’s really just basketball when you put it in perspective of what other people have to go through.”
Fans quickly took to social media to express their admiration for Staley. One post read, “This Dawn Staley segment, man. It’s so much more than just hoops.” Another fan wrote, “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.”
Staley has never shied away from wearing meaningful tokens given to her by fans, especially young ones battling adversity. During March Madness, reporters asked her about the number of bracelets she wears daily. That’s when she revealed that she never turns one down when gifted by a young supporter.
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“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.”
But of all the jewelry she wears, two pieces stand out the most.
“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.”
As Staley and her team prepared for the Elite Eight, the moment served as a touching reminder that basketball is more than a game—it’s a platform to inspire, connect, and make a real difference in people’s lives.
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