Dawn Staley honors HBCU program with gesture before NCAA Tournament clash Southern University secured its second NCAA Tournament victory in history on Thursday, and the historic HBCU institution received a heartfelt gesture from South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley. The Hall of Fame coach, known for her advocacy for HBCU programs, took the time to personally acknowledge the Jaguars’ success before their matchup against South Carolina. Staley visited Southern University’s hotel in Columbia, South Carolina, where the team was staying ahead of their game against Samford. The Jaguars had just defeated Samford 65-58 in the NCAA Tournament First Four, and Staley’s appearance was a surprise to the players. Southern guard Demonnie Lagway shared her thoughts on the visit, emphasizing the significance of the moment. “She gave us our respect. She respects us and gave us our props — our credit,” Lagway said. Staley’s presence at the game further underscored her support for the HBCU program. She and her team watched from the stands as Southern University played, a gesture that resonated deeply with the players. Lagway expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “It feels good, it feels great. They’re our next opponent, so them being there to watch us felt good.” The respect extended beyond the game. After Southern University’s victory, Staley presented the team with a gift—a perfume—during a private moment in the team’s backroom. The players were told the gift’s origin, which sparked an emotional and enthusiastic reaction. The moment highlighted Staley’s commitment to elevating HBCU programs, a theme that has defined her career. For Southern University, the gesture was more than a token of appreciation. It symbolized recognition of the program’s growing presence in collegiate basketball.#ncaa_tournament #dawn_staley #southern_university #hbcu_program #demonnie_lagway
