“She would kill me if I let yall know”: South Carolina HC Dawn Staley posts loving birthday message for fellow Gamecock
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley gave a shoutout to the Director of Operations, Ariana Moore, on her birthday.
The Hall of Famer made a point to let everyone know how much she appreciates the hardworking people behind the scenes of the Gamecocks by giving Moore flowers on her special day.
"Here's to celebrating and giving her much deserved flowers..."
You can read her full tweet below:
Dawn Staley and Ariana Moore's relationship dates back to 2000
Many may not know, but Moore has known Dawn Staley since 2000. She signed a national letter of intent as a player under Staley's inaugural recruiting class at Temple University, where she played under Staley from 2001-2005.
Staley herself coached at Temple for eight seasons before taking the reigns at South Carolina.
Speaking about her time as a player under Staley, Moore recognised the important role the coach played in her development as a professional woman.
“As a hard-headed 18-year-old player, I didn’t understand or appreciate what I know right now,” said Moore. “(Staley) helped me mature into a professional woman, and that wouldn’t have happened unless I followed her to Temple for my college career,” she added.
Fast forward eight years to 2013 and Moore once again linked up with Dawn Staley at South Carolina.
She initially joined Staley's staff to assist with coordinating her schedule, as well as organizing team community outreach opportunities and overseeing the Gamecock's Mentorship Program.
Today, Ariana Moore has ascended the ladder to become the official Director of Operations for the Gamecocks and has played a key role in the school's three NCAA women's national championships.
No doubt, Dawn Staley deserves all the credit. She recognises the importance of the team not only on the court but off it, too.
This small gesture of a birthday wish on X (formerly Twitter) shows just how connected the backroom staff are with the front-facing team of coaches and players.
The South Carolina Gamecocks begin their season with an exhibition charity game Tuesday versus Memphis, followed by another exhibition showing against Clayton State on Oct. 28.
The title defense officially starts on Nov. 4 when they take on Michigan in Las Vegas.