ESPN EXCLUSIVE: Gamecocks Stars Lamont Paris and Dawn Staley Unveil Multi-Million Dollar Endowment for Gamecocks basketball Program, Cementing Legacy of Giving Back..read more
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a historic moment for the University of South Carolina’s athletic department, former Gamecocks men’s basketball head coach Lamont Paris and current women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley joined forces to announce a groundbreaking multi-million dollar endowment for the Gamecocks basketball program.
The endowment, which is the largest of its kind in program history, will provide long-term support for the men’s and women’s basketball programs at the university. The news comes on the heels of a successful season for the Gamecocks women’s team, who advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year.
“It’s an incredible honor to be a part of this program and to be able to give back in such a meaningful way,” said Paris, who coached the Gamecocks men’s team from 2008-2011. “Dawn and I have always shared a deep passion for developing young people and providing them with opportunities to succeed on and off the court.”
Staley, who has been the head coach of the Gamecocks women’s team since 2008, echoed Paris’ sentiments. “This endowment is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our coaching staff, our student-athletes, and our entire community,” she said. “We’re proud to be able to provide resources that will help our programs continue to grow and thrive for generations to come.”
The multi-million dollar endowment is set to fund a variety of initiatives, including scholarships, facility upgrades, and program enhancements. The funds will also be used to support the development of young coaches and staff members within the program.
According to sources close to the university, the endowment is a result of a unique partnership between Paris and Staley, who have been long-time friends and colleagues. The two coaches have been instrumental in building the Gamecocks’ basketball programs into national powerhouses, and their commitment to giving back to the university has been a hallmark of their careers.
“We’re not just building a program, we’re building a community,” said Staley. “This endowment is a reflection of that commitment, and we’re excited to see the impact it will have on our student-athletes and our community.”
Paris added, “We’re grateful for the support of our friends and donors who have helped make this endowment possible. We’re committed to using these resources to make a lasting impact on the Gamecocks basketball program and the university as a whole.”
The announcement of the endowment comes at a pivotal time for the Gamecocks basketball programs, which have experienced significant success on the court in recent years. The men’s team has made several postseason appearances under the leadership of current head coach Frank Martin, while the women’s team has become one of the top programs in the country under Staley’s guidance.
As for what’s next, Paris and Staley remain committed to their shared vision for the Gamecocks basketball program. “We’re just getting started,” said Staley with a smile. “This endowment is a significant step forward, but we know there’s still much work to be done. We’re excited to see where this journey takes us.”
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