Dawn Staley’s necklaces: The touching story behind South Carolina coach’s fashion choice its dramatic following all she has being through via

Dawn Staley is more than just a legendary basketball coach. She’s a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and representation. Whether she’s pacing the sidelines of a high-stakes NCAA Tournament game or addressing the media with her signature calm confidence, the South Carolina head coach carries more than just a clipboard—she carries purpose. One of the most recognizable parts of her game-day attire? Her layered necklaces. But these aren’t just stylish accessories. They tell a story, and a deeply personal one at that.

Staley’s necklaces have become iconic in college basketball circles. Broadcasters mention them. Fans notice them. But beyond the aesthetics lies meaning. For Staley, each chain and pendant represents a person, a principle, or a purpose she holds close to her heart. They are reminders of her journey, tributes to those she loves, and powerful statements about what—and who—matters most.

A Tribute to Her Players

The most visible necklaces in Staley’s collection are the ones that bear the names or initials of her players. Over the years, she’s made it a point to wear chains honoring current and former Gamecocks, particularly during key moments of the season or in the postseason.

In interviews, Staley has explained that the jewelry helps her feel connected to her players, especially when they’re no longer physically with the team. One notable instance came during the 2022 NCAA Tournament, when she wore a necklace for star forward Aliyah Boston. Boston had become a face of the program and someone Staley referred to as “like family.” Staley explained that she wore Boston’s name around her neck not just as a gesture of pride, but as a symbol of trust and belief in her.

For Staley, coaching isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It’s about relationships. And the necklaces are her quiet but consistent way of keeping her players—past and present—close to her during battle. Whether she’s trying to inspire a comeback or celebrating a win, those small tokens represent a bigger commitment: her loyalty to the young women she helps mold both on and off the court.

Honoring Legacy and Loss

Some of Staley’s necklaces also pay tribute to people she’s lost. The coach has been candid about how the losses of loved ones have shaped her outlook, and she often wears necklaces to honor family members and friends who have passed.

One such chain is dedicated to her late brother, whom she spoke about publicly following a South Carolina victory. “He was always my biggest fan,” she said at the time. “When I wear this, I feel like he’s here with me.” For Staley, these tokens are a way to carry grief with grace, turning loss into motivation.

In another heartfelt moment, she wore a necklace in memory of her former mentor, John Chaney, the legendary Temple men’s basketball coach who passed away in 2021. Staley, a Philadelphia native who starred at Temple before rising to coaching prominence, has always credited Chaney with inspiring her coaching philosophy. Her tribute was not just symbolic—it was spiritual.

A Platform for Representation

Staley also uses her necklaces to make broader statements. In the era of athlete and coach activism, she has become a voice for racial and gender equality. Some of her necklaces represent causes or movements close to her heart, including those supporting women in sports, Black excellence, and social justice.

During the 2021 Final Four, for instance, Staley wore a necklace that spelled out “BOSS.” While to some, it was a fashion statement, for Staley it was a declaration: a reminder of how far she—and women like her—have come. A Black woman at the helm of one of the most successful college basketball programs in the country is no small feat, and Staley wears her success proudly, without apology.

“I want little girls to see this and know they can do it too,” she said in a postgame interview. “They can be in charge, they can lead, and they can be themselves doing it.”

More Than Jewelry

Ultimately, Dawn Staley’s necklaces are about connection. Connection to her past. Connection to her players. Connection to the culture she represents. They aren’t just part of her outfit—they are part of her identity.

In a world where coaches are often reduced to wins, losses, and championship banners, Staley reminds us that leadership is personal. Her fashion choices are expressions of her values, her journey, and her heart. Every chain tells a story. Every pendant is a page in her personal history book. And every time she steps on the court wearing them, she does more than coach a game—she honors a legacy.