South Carolina Women’s Basketball Superfan Plies Presents Dawn Staley with Diamond-Studded Necklace

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Ahead of South Carolina’s first-round game in March Madness, rapper Plies presented the Gamecocks’ head coach, Dawn Staley, with a stunning, gem-encrusted chain. The pendant, which is shaped like the NCAA Tournament championship trophy, honors the three years South Carolina has won national titles: 2017, 2022, and 2024. A sparkling basketball tops the design, and on the back, it’s engraved with a special message: “Dawn Staley / ‘God is within her she will not fail! Psalm 46:5.”

Staley wore the piece proudly on the sidelines during South Carolina’s dominant 108-48 victory over Tennessee Tech on Friday. She shared a photo of the chain on her social media, writing: “I know you didn’t gift me this piece of treasure for anything but love. I so appreciate you for doing your big one but you always have done it big. Thank you for your love, your support & your organic belief in @GamecockWBB. I’ll wear it proudly knowing our mission.”

@plies I know you didn’t gift me this piece of treasure for anything but love. I so appreciate you for doing your big one but you always have done it big. Thank you for your love, your support & your organic belief in @GamecockWBB. I’ll wear it proudly knowing our mission.❤️🐔 pic.twitter.com/TLXPfus5gu

— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) March 21, 2025

In response on X, Plies expressed his admiration for Staley, calling her his hero and saying she inspires him. “If I had to describe a hero, it would be her,” he tweeted.

Following South Carolina’s blowout win, Staley reflected on the gift, saying, “It’s really nice. It’s all about the details. It’s the national championship trophy. I like that. Hopefully it brings us good luck.”

Plies, hailing from Fort Myers, Florida, is not only a rap star but also a former wide receiver at Miami University in Ohio. He’s a known supporter of the South Carolina women’s basketball team, frequently attending their games, including the 2024 NCAA Final Four in Cleveland. Last May, he even invited Staley on stage at his concert in Columbia. In February, as a celebrity guest picker on College GameDay’s debut women’s basketball show, he confidently predicted that South Carolina would defeat UConn in Columbia.

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March Madness brings the same benefits to South Carolina and Columbia, including fresh funding for women.

This Wednesday, the excitement surrounding the tournament is undeniable as fans eagerly await the big game on Thursday night. It’s set to be a major event, and the anticipation is building.

The journey to this point has been exhilarating, and now, with a paycheck in sight, there’s a sense of fulfillment.

Page shared her thoughts on the team’s progress, saying, “We’ve been enjoying the whole season.” She went on to emphasize the significance of the moment, stating, “It’s great we can make money for the school now.”

Patterson, who has played for the Virginia Cavaliers, Stanford Cardinal, and is now with the UNCG Spartans, perfectly captured the essence of the occasion, remarking, “It’s great for women’s basketball.”

The Associated Press, in collaboration with Pivotal Ventures, continues to highlight the role of women in both the workforce and state government. AP is solely responsible for all the content it produces. For further details on their partnerships with philanthropies and a full list of supporters, visit AP.org.

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