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“I just feel like a beacon of hope”: When Dawn Staley talked about growing up in “impoverished neighborhoods” and inspiring people like her

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley is not only a trailblazer in women's basketball, but she has also become a prominent voice for social justice. Staley has leveraged her platform to advocate for causes such as quality of life and women's empowerment.

In March 2018, Staley invited a famous South Carolina native poet, Nikky Finney, to the university. In a YouTube video by ESPN, the two discussed basketball, power and the meaning of leaving a legacy.

"I don't consider myself powerful. I have to set a great example," Staley said. "I think that's power — knowing that you can help someone else see their light." (2:37)
"That's the biggest power," poet Finney said.

Dawn Staley also opened up about her upbringing and journey to where she is today.

"Some things aren't privy to certain people," Staley said. "I grew up in an impoverished neighborhood. Most people who didn’t live there, looking in, probably thought it was just a poor, trashy neighborhood.
"I think I’m a living testimony of someone beating the odds. I just feel like a beacon of hope for someone who looks like me, who grew up like me."

Dawn Staley spoke about helping youth define their own journey

Dawn Staley, a three-time national champion coach and a two-time Hall of Famer, is celebrated for her extensive accomplishments in women's basketball. She has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of the sport, particularly in the realm of coaching and leadership.

Every player has a unique story, and Staley emphasizes the importance of each individual defining their own path.

"Your path isn’t written — you can always stop and start a new path," Staley said (via ESPN). "It’s hard figuring out who you are, what you stand for, what you like, what you dislike, and what your heart desires. I’m happy I’m in a place where I can help younger people hopefully figure it out a lot sooner."

Through the Dawn Staley Champions Fund, she supports underserved communities and provides educational and athletic opportunities for young people to help them reach their potential.

In addition, the Dawn Staley Foundation runs an after-school program for its at-risk children. It helps them learn skills to grow into responsible and successful adults. The foundation also aids underprivileged girls to help them build leadership, inculcate teamwork and improve social skills.

Staley has been involved in such initiatives even before her coaching career. For her contributions to the community, she has received numerous honors, including the 1999 WNBA Entrepreneurial Spirit Award and the 1998 American Red Cross Spectrum Award.

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