Gamecock Digest

Dawn Staley Shares Heartfelt Message After Receiving Jimmy V Award

Staley was "honored and deeply moved" to accept the award at the ESPYS Thursday night.

Alex Joyce

Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley cuts down the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley cuts down the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Dawn Staley is no stranger to what it takes to be a champion. But it's not just on the court success that makes a champion, it's what you do every day that makes the difference.

At the 2024 ESPYS Staley became the recipient of this year's Jimmy V Award. The Jimmy V Award for Perseverance is presented annually to a deserving member of the sports community who has overcome great obstacles. She stands as a strong example of what the Jimmy V foundation is.

Staley has long been an advocate for cancer research and bone marrow donors. But this past year, Staley embodied what it meant to persevere. Last summer Staley's former assistant coach, teammate, and dear friend, Nikki McCray-Penson, passed away after struggling with cancer.

To honor the legacy of her long time friend, Staley decided to put up an educational fund for McCray-Penson's son. Staley wanted to be a giver, just like her friend.

"Nikki was a giver, and she still finds a way to give," Staley said. "I did start a educational fund for her son ... so he's got he's got eight more years before it matures, but I just felt like I needed to do more for her to keep her legacy alive. What better way to do it than through her son, who's probably smarter than all of us at the age of 10."

Nikki McCray-Penson was selected to become the next head coach at Mississippi State
John Cohen's search for the next Mississippi State women's basketball coach didn't last long. He chose Nikki McCray-Penson because she fit the script of what he was looking for. nikki mccray-penson / Keith Lucas, Mississippi Clarion Ledger

After this past season, Staley joined Aflac in their My Special Aflac Ducks program. The program serves as a promise that children, ages three and up who have cancer, are not alone in their treatments. The kids are reminded of this with a cuddly, comforting companion by the way of a stuffed Aflac duck.

The duck serves as a friend for the kids before their medical procedures, helps them communicate their feelings, practice distraction techniques, and more. For Staley it was an opportunity to serve, but she also received a special gift from one of the children she encountered.

"After my first My Special Aflac Duck delivery last year, I wore a necklace crafted by a patient, serving as a constant reminder to maintain perspective in all situations. Aflac and I are deeply committed to giving back, particularly to children facing sickle cell — an often overlooked community," Coach Staley said. "While an undefeated season and national championships are tremendous accomplishments, nothing outweighs the special place these children hold in my heart."

On Thursday, July 11, at the ESPYS in Los Angeles, Dawn Staley was recognized for her service by winning the Jimmy V Award. Of course, sporting that famous necklace she received just weeks ago.

"I am profoundly honored and deeply moved to stand before you today to accept this prestigious award," Staley says.

Staley spoke on being a role model, pay disparity among coaches, and fighting injustices. She took her time to recognize that others are watching her. Realizing that she cannot ask others, especially her team, to do things she isn't willing to do herself.

They're watching me. I can't ask them to stand up for themselves, if I'm sitting down," Coach Staley said. "Nor can I ask them to use their voice to affect change if I'm only willing to whisper. So if someone tells me to 'shut up and coach,' I simply say no."

Dawn Staley at the final four.
Apr 5, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley and guard Bree Hall (23) celebrate after defeating the NC State Wolfpack in the semifinals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Staley then urged other athletes and those with platforms to do the same.

"You have the power to make a difference," Coach Staley said. "You can stand up for what is right. You can inspire, motivate, and help others. All it takes is the will to do so."

And with the "tenacity of my angel, Nikki (McCray-Penson), with the determination of my sister Tracy (Staley), and sweet little Blakely (who gave her the necklace)," Staley issues a challenge.

"Pay it forward. Do the right thing, even if it's the hard thing," Coach Staley said.

Click here to watch Coach Staley's full speech at the ESPYS.

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Alex Joyce
ALEX JOYCE