Dawn Staley is undoubtedly a trailblazer, empowering women through athletics

The Women of Color Leadership Series, a collaborative effort by Katie Leadership Impact and St. Kate’s Athletics, is a powerful platform that celebrates leaders from diverse backgrounds. This series is a testament to our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and diversity. By connecting students and the community with these leaders, we aim to inspire and motivate future leaders, encouraging them to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Dawn Staley is the keynote speaker for this year’s event. With three NCAA tournament victories, she is a shining example of what is possible when women take on leadership roles. Her achievements motivate countless women to surpass perceived limits and strive for greatness. “Empowering women to lead through athletics” is a statement that highlights Dawn Staley’s efforts to empower women to take on leadership roles in the field of athletics.

Lea B. Olsen, a former Division One athlete and sports broadcaster, moderated the event. Staley received a standing ovation as she walked out to a sold-out event. Staley was asked to compare the three teams she led to win national titles.

Olsen said she felt that her team in 2017 was the least competitive. The 2020 team was determined to win the championship after a viral meme of Aliyah Boston in tears circulated online the previous year. Due to a rough start, the 2024 team was considered unlikely to win a title. The coaches had to handle non-basketball issues, and the team sought validation from outsiders. Tessa Johnson, a Minnesota native playing for South Carolina, had to receive help with her diet. Coach Staley laughed as she said she would replace meals with candy, prompting the coaching staff to connect her with a nutritionist. Staley mentioned that as a coach, it’s beautiful only to have to focus on basketball. However, this team was the most competitive she had ever coached.

Staley spoke on the disparities between men’s and women’s basketball and how to challenge media and others in 2021 to make it equal. She confirmed that in the past, there was a lack of effort to promote women’s basketball, and women were encouraged to be content with what they had. However, over time, there has been an increase in demand for women’s basketball. She now feels her responsibility is to contribute to the sport’s growth and support the individuals who play it.

Staley spoke about having people around her who genuinely support her. She mentioned speaking with Denzel Washington and Barack Obama and receiving flowers from Beyoncé. Coach Vivian Stringer is a confidante for her as she navigates this space, where she said being successful and black means you are treated differently. Staley intentionally avoided national media interviews as they did not recognize her team. According to Staley, Caitlin Clark received 80 percent of the media attention during the championship game because the focus was on her last college game, and other players only got media snippets. Some media outlets provided equal coverage and recognition to all teams and players, while others did not.

Dawn Staley achieved great success. The room was charged with an electric atmosphere, and Staley’s impactful words resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impression on each person in attendance.