South Carolina’s Dawn Staley Eager for Exhibition in Memphis and Visit to St. Jude

South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley is enthusiastically looking forward to the Gamecocks visit to Memphis. Not only is she excited about the basketball game, but she’s also eager to raise awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

More Than a Game

“The people showed me so much love that I’m really looking forward to it,” Staley shared last week. “And then, we’re going to do whatever we need to do to raise awareness for St. Jude. We’re going to have an opportunity to meet the decision-makers at St. Jude that help put this all on, which is wonderful because it doesn’t happen without their innovative thinking.”

The reigning national champions will clash against the Tigers on October 15 (8:30 p.m., ESPN+) in the first Hoops For St. Jude Tip Off Classic at FedExForum. The ticket sales from this doubleheader preseason exhibition, which includes a men’s basketball exhibition between Memphis and North Carolina, at 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU, will be directed towards St. Jude.

Charity in Sports

Staley has been a long-time supporter of St. Jude and regularly makes contributions. “To be able to make it public and help benefit the families, the children, and the research from us just bouncing a basketball, I think it’s an incredible cause to get behind,” noted Staley.

Simmons, the Memphis women’s basketball coach, also emphasized the importance of playing for a cause, especially in one’s hometown.

Majesty of Sportsmanship

South Carolina has bagged two of the last three national titles with last season being undefeated at 38-0, defeating star player Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the championship game. Memphis, on the other hand, finished at 13-17 in Simmons’ first season as the coach.

Simmons expressed his anticipation for the upcoming match, saying, “I think it’ll be a challenge for us, but it isn’t something our players aren’t willing to undertake.”

A Haven for Basketball

The fact that the event is a doubleheader involving men’s teams adds extra excitement, according to Staley. “Our kids will get a chance to see Penny (Hardaway – Memphis Men’s coach). I’m sure he’s young enough that they remember him. And then, North Carolina, which has a great brand, I’m sure will excite our team, celebrating women’s basketball and recognizing the great things Memphis is accomplishing,” she said.