South Carolina Gamecocks’ sophomore guard, MiLaysia Fulwiley, has been named one of four finalists for the prestigious Dawn Staley Award, as announced by the Phoenix Club of Philadelphia on March 14, 2025. This accolade is bestowed annually upon the NCAA Division I women’s basketball player who best exemplifies the skills that Coach Staley possessed throughout her career—ball-handling, scoring, the ability to distribute the basketball, and an indomitable will to win.
Fulwiley’s nomination is a testament to her outstanding performance this season. She has been instrumental in South Carolina’s success, averaging 11.5 points per game and earning the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Sixth Woman of the Year award. Her contributions were pivotal in securing the Gamecocks’ third consecutive SEC Tournament title, where she was named to the All-Tournament Team.
The other finalists for the Dawn Staley Award include UConn’s Paige Bueckers, Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, and USC’s JuJu Watkins. Bueckers, a senior, has been a standout player for the Huskies, recently surpassing the 2,000-point milestone in her collegiate career. Hidalgo and Watkins have also showcased exceptional skills this season, making the competition for the award particularly fierce.
The Dawn Staley Award holds special significance for South Carolina, as it is named after their head coach, Dawn Staley. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have flourished, with previous players like Tiffany Mitchell and Ty Harris winning the award in 2015 and 2020, respectively. Staley’s coaching philosophy emphasizes toughness, leadership, and competitiveness—all qualities embodied by Fulwiley.
Fulwiley’s journey to this point has been marked by dedication and resilience. From her days as a top-ranked prospect at W.J. Keenan High School, she chose to stay close to home, committing to South Carolina. Her freshman year saw her averaging 11.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, contributing significantly to the Gamecocks’ undefeated season and NCAA championship win. This season, her growth has been evident, with performances that have not only earned her individual accolades but have also propelled her team to new heights.
The winner of the Dawn Staley Award will be announced during the weekend of the Final Four in early April. As the Gamecocks prepare for the NCAA tournament, Fulwiley’s recognition adds to the momentum and optimism surrounding the team. Her nomination not only highlights her individual talent but also underscores the strength and depth of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program under Coach Staley’s mentorship.
