Dawn Staley Surprises Southern University Before the Game
Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, made a memorable gesture for the Southern University women’s basketball team ahead of their NCAA Tournament matchup. After Southern University defeated Samford 65–58 in the First Four, Staley visited the team and gifted players Louis Vuitton Imagination perfume.
This thoughtful act reflected both respect and support for an HBCU program. Players and coaches expressed that Staley’s visit left a lasting impression, showing that sportsmanship extends beyond the court. Her gesture became a motivational moment for the Lady Jaguars, highlighting Staley’s commitment to uplifting Black women in college basketball.
A Personal Touch at the Team’s Hotel
Before the matchup against South Carolina, Staley stopped by Southern University’s hotel to meet the players. She took time to greet the team personally, even sharing insights and encouraging words. Her presence alone energized the players and reinforced the respect she had for them.
Southern University guard Mykayla Cunningham told Sports Illustrated, “Her being here, getting to hear the words she had for our team, it was just great. She’s smart. She sat and watched the game, wrote notes about both teams; she’s going to be prepared. And that’s how we have to come out and be prepared against her.”
The Impact of the Gift
After the game, Staley presented the Lady Jaguars with Louis Vuitton Imagination perfume, a gesture that surprised the team and sparked an emotional reaction. Some players had asked what perfume she wore, and Staley’s gift turned a simple question into a meaningful moment of support.
Assistant coach Jeremy Bonin said to USA Today, “She walked in the meeting room, the kids blew up. They loved it. So there was definitely some motivation for us to try to win that game, which we were lucky enough to do.” The gesture illustrated Staley’s ongoing commitment to promoting HBCUs and using her platform to highlight their importance in women’s sports.
A Continued Commitment to HBCU Programs
Throughout her career, Staley has worked to raise visibility for HBCUs, whether through speaking engagements, scheduling games, or mentoring programs. Her actions at Southern University show that support for Black women in sports can take many forms—sometimes a thoughtful gift can inspire just as much as coaching strategies on the court.
Southern University prepared to face Staley’s South Carolina team on March 21, 2026, in a matchup that combined competitive intensity with mutual respect. Staley’s visit and gifts remain a memorable example of how leadership, respect, and empowerment can intersect in college athletics.
