Dawn Staley isn’t missing a beat when it comes to showing her team’s dominance across the NCAA. This time, however, Staley’s team spared the glass and made a splash at the SEC Awards, roping in as many awards as possible. They even matched a 25-year-old record in the process.

South Carolina women’s basketball fifth-year point guard Raven Johnson was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year, sophomore Joyce Edwards was named All-SEC First Team for the second time, and Madina Okot, Tessa Johnson, and Ta’Niya Latson were named All-SEC Second Team, meaning all five of Staley’s starters made first or second team honors.

The writing was very much on the wall. Edwards averaged 20 points most of the regular season and has been leading coach Staley’s team in scoring the last two years. Johnson, too, averaged a career-high 10 points and 5.4 assists this regular season to go with 4.2 rebounds. Her assist-to-turnover ratio puts her in a special class: 167 assists to 47 turnovers across 31 regular-season games.

This achievement brings back memories from 2001, when Tennessee did the same, winning multiple awards. It was under legendary coach Pat Summitt when the Lady Vols had five players honored. It was a special season, and the Lady Vols went 14–0 in SEC play, finishing the season 31–3 overall, averaging 82.7 points per game.

Michelle Snow, Kara Lawson (current Duke coach), Gwen Jackson, Semeka Randall, and Kristen Clement were all recognized.

Staley can now take pride in recreating the same magic at Columbia. However, after the final assignment of the regular season, Dawn Staley had other matters to attend to.

Dawn Staley Attends The Funeral Of A Local South Carolina Hero

While many expected that after the regular season victory over Kentucky, Staley would find herself busy celebrating with her squad, she did quite the opposite. Finishing the regular season run 29-2, Staley would find herself attending the funeral of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, who was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina.

To the larger South Carolina population, Jackson was a hero who stood up when there was no one else. A civil rights activist, politician, and ordained Baptist minister, Jackson wore many hats, so it was natural for Staley to pay homage to the man who meant so much to the city she now proudly represents.

Right after his passing, Dawn Staley took to social media to share a heartfelt message with the community.

“May Reverend Jesse Jackson’s soul rest in peace and love, Peace and love to his loved ones and the people he served,” Staley had written, remembering Jackson. She was seen among the long line of people who walked with the procession while the Reverend’s casket was taken to the South Carolina State House.

So whether it is looking out for her former students caught up in Israel or standing up to pay respects to a fallen hero, Staley never shies away from making her presence felt. Her ability to care for others is what makes her a special person, and that is exactly what translates to her coaching as well.