University of South Carolina head basketball coach Dawn Staley praised her school’s football stadium and game-day experience. Her enthusiastic endorsement comes as the Gamecocks football program builds momentum under Shane Beamer’s leadership following their best season in nearly a decade.
Why Is Dawn Staley’s Support So Significant for South Carolina Football?
One sign of an overall successful athletic program is synergy between teams and their respective coaches. More importantly, honest relationships benefit the entire university, its donors, students, and athletes.
When athletic directors set out to build a program, they hire coaches who they believe can win but also serve as puzzle pieces to the overall picture and harmony of the athletic program. Usually, football and basketball lead the way. After years of floundering in football, Shane Beamer looks to build upon a nine-win 2024-25 season.
The Gamecocks finished 15th in the rankings, their highest since 2014. More importantly, head coach Shane Beamer’s recruiting acumen landed prized recruits, turning them into productive starters.
Everything about the program seems different, from how Beamer conducts press conferences to the general attitude around the team. Attitude may not change or influence results, but building confidence does. As a result, South Carolina head basketball coach Dawn Staley offered serious praise for the program, specifically the game-day experience at Williams-Brice Stadium.
“We are second to none. We are the No. 1 experience in Williams-Brice Stadium.”
—@dawnstaley on South Carolina’s fan experience 😤 pic.twitter.com/AsJsVvFmxj
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) August 3, 2025
“There’s nothing like being at Williams-Brice for a football game. Nothing like it. We are second to none. The No. 1 experience at Williams-Brice Stadium: any game, any time. When we’re at Williams-Brice Stadium, it’s going to be a party. Everybody walks away enjoying it, no matter what the score.”
What Makes Staley’s Voice So Influential in South Carolina Athletics?
In the state of South Carolina, when Staley speaks, people listen. After 14 consecutive seasons winning 20 or more games, her voice ranks among the loudest supporters for the athletic program.
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Additionally, if you add the three national championships, seven Final Fours, and .812 career winning percentage, she may speak the loudest around the area.
Beyond her words, Staley shows up at various football functions to show her support.
When Dawn Staley scored a TD in the @GamecockFB spring game 😂 🔥 @GamecockWBB | #SECNTakeover pic.twitter.com/JTYehZtjJZ
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) July 9, 2025
What do her words mean? Within the quote, she credits the stadium atmosphere and, by extension, the football program and its head coach. That speaks volumes about Staley’s allegiance to the school and her love of the program. Staley’s love of football appears genuine, as she supports her hometown team.
Dawn Staley appreciation post! 💎 pic.twitter.com/jl028dZT1l
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 5, 2024
How Are Fans Responding to South Carolina’s Football Renaissance?
Her comments arrive at a time when home attendance is at its highest in five years. According to D1 Ticker, the Gamecocks enjoyed a 5.79% jump in attendance. Last year, Williams-Brice Stadium averaged 79,329 fans, an increase from its previous mean of 74,988.
The ability to draw more fans increases revenue and visibility, strengthening the football program in the long run.
South Carolina will play seven home games in the 2025-26 season, starting with their opener against South Carolina State on September 6.
While Williams-Brice may not possess the prestige of Tiger Stadium (LSU), Bryant-Denny (Alabama), or The Swamp (Florida), with a team on the upswing and the support of the basketball coach, the team moves in a positive direction. Can the team turn a festive atmosphere into a home-field advantage?