WATCH: Dawn Staley shares heartwarming moment with young fan before South Carolina vs. Memphis St. Jude’s exhibition game
Dawn Staley tapped into her mood for giving at the inaugural 2024 Hoops for St. Jude's Tip Off Classic at FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee, on Tuesday. As her South Carolina Gamecocks prepared for their game against the Memphis Tigers, Staley encountered a young fan donning her Team USA jersey.
The fan held high a poster, hoping that Staley would notice and eventually sign the jersey. And that is exactly what happened: Staley called the child near the court, gave him a high-five, signed the jersey and also initiated a conversation.
"Coach Staley, can I get an autograph for my birthday?" the poster read.
As expected, Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks sailed to a commanding 106-63 win against the Tigers in the exhibition charity game. USC began the game on a high note, mounting a 15-point run before the first timeout and never looking back.
However, the exhibition showdown was more than just winning a basketball game. The two teams shared the court to support St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and its humanitarian efforts.
All the proceeds from the tickets for the game were donated to the charitable organization, where patients and their families do not get billed for food, shelter, treatment and travel.
Dawn Staley represented Team USA for 15 years as a player
Before Staley was asked to sit on the selector's chair for Team USA, the championship and medalist coach served the nation as a player.
Dawn Staley represented Team USA throughout her playing career, starting from 1989 to 2004. She began with the USA Junior World Cup Championship roster and gradually transitioned to the main cast.
She was the flagbearer at the Athens Olympics and earned two USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year awards throughout her international playing career.
Staley led the charge in numerous global events, from the World Championships and the R. William Jones Cup to the Olympics. She earned a bronze medal and 10 gold medals, including the Olympics (1996, 2000 and 2004).
Dawn Staley's 1995-96 international squad went on an undefeated 60-0 run. Overall, Staley had a 95.1% winning probability on Team USA as her team mounted a 196-10 record.