South Carolina women’s basketball sophomore MiLaysia Fulwiley has been named one of four finalists for The Dawn Staley Award, as announced by the Phoenix Club of Philadelphia on March 14, 2025. This prestigious award honors the NCAA Division I women’s basketball player who best exemplifies the skills that Coach Dawn Staley possessed throughout her career—ball-handling, scoring, ability to distribute the basketball, and the will to win. Fulwiley is joined by UConn’s Paige Bueckers, Southern Cal’s JuJu Watkins, and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo as the four finalists for this year’s award. This recognition is a testament to Fulwiley’s outstanding performance throughout the season, where she has been instrumental in the Gamecocks’ success.Throughout the season, Fulwiley has consistently demonstrated her prowess on the court. In the SEC Tournament quarterfinals against Vanderbilt, she delivered a standout performance, contributing 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, and four steals in just 23 minutes of play. Her highlight reel from that game included a behind-the-back assist to teammate Sania Feagin and a buzzer-beating three-pointer to end the first quarter. Her coach, Dawn Staley, has been vocal about Fulwiley’s unique abilities. In a dominant 95-55 victory over Arkansas, Fulwiley executed a spectacular alley-oop and a remarkable fast-break play, prompting Coach Staley to describe her performance as “Nasty work!” Such moments have not only energized the team but have also captivated fans and analysts alike.The Dawn Staley Award holds special significance for the South Carolina program. Named after their head coach, who has been a pivotal figure in women’s basketball both as a player and a coach, the award celebrates the very qualities that Coach Staley embodied. Having a player like Fulwiley as a finalist underscores the program’s commitment to excellence and the development of players who mirror Coach Staley’s competitive spirit and skill set.As the Gamecocks prepare for the upcoming NCAA tournament, Fulwiley’s recognition serves as a morale booster for the team. Her dynamic play and leadership on the court will be crucial as South Carolina aims to make a deep run in the tournament. Fans and teammates alike will be watching closely, hoping to see Fulwiley continue her stellar performance and possibly clinch The Dawn Staley Award, adding another accolade to her burgeoning career.
Leave a Reply