Staley, Gamecocks Honored at ESPYS – University of South Carolina Athletics

Los Angeles, California – The 2023-24 South Carolina women’s basketball team and head coach Dawn Staley were honored at the 2024 ESPYS Awards in Los Angeles tonight. The Gamecocks took home the ESPY Award for Best Team, while Staley received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the ceremony held at the Dolby Theater, which aired live on ABC.

The Gamecocks became the 10th team in NCAA history to complete an undefeated national championship season in 2023-24, adding their eighth SEC regular-season championship and eighth SEC Tournament championship. South Carolina, which lost all five starters from its 36-1 NCAA Final Four 2023 team, led the nation in scoring defense, goal differential and blocked shots per game, setting program records in scoring average, goal differential, field goals made, three-point field goals made, defensive rebounds and assists.

Staley has been honored not only for her resilience on the court, leading a young team to a perfect 38-0 championship season and elevating women’s sports and equality in the world of sports, but also for her active role in the fight against cancer. With her sister, Tracy Underwood, and her friend and former assistant coach Nikki McRae Benson both diagnosed with cancer in recent years, Staley has become a prominent figure advocating for cancer research. She has partnered with organizations to mobilize potential bone marrow donors—particularly those in the Black community—to sign up for the National Bone Marrow Donor Program (formerly known as Be the Match). She has used her platform to advocate for patient care, research, and resources. Through her partnership with Aflac, she has visited and supported those undergoing treatment. Additionally, Staley has been vocal about gender equality and diversity in sports, particularly basketball.

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