The touching reason why Dawn Staley wears beaded necklaces on sidelines
Dawn Staley has ben seen wearing her signature necklaces during March Madness, which were made by a seven-year-old who battled cancer.
As South Carolina returns to the women's Final Four with a spot in the national championship on the line Friday night, Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley may sport a special accessory once again. Traditionally, she's worn a necklace featuring multi-colored beads on game day. But for Staley, the fashion choice wasn't made haphazardly.
The necklaces have a touching story behind it. They were made by Blakeleigh Thompson, a seven-year-old girl who battled Leukemia and has developed a close relationship with Staley. The two met in 2023 at the UVA Children's Hospital, according to Greenville News, and Thompson made both of the necklaces that Staley frequently wears during South Carolina's games.
In 2025, Staley received a surprise from Thompson before the Gamecocks' Elite Eight win over Notre Dame. During an interview with ESPN, which Staley thought would be a typical interview, she was instead greeted by Thompson, who also gifted her a new necklace as the old one was beginning to wear. We are all crying.
Blakely is the little girl who Dawn Staley was inspired by as she fights leukemia. Coach Staley’s necklaces she always wears are in Blakely’s honor. ESPN surprised coach with a sweet message today!