Dawn Staley Honors Young Cancer Patient With Necklace at 2024 ESPY Awards

At the 2024 ESPY Awards on Thursday, Dawn Staley received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. This award honors her advocacy for equality in women’s sports and her leadership in the fight against cancer.

For the event, the coach of the national champion South Carolina women’s basketball team wore a black sequin top with short sleeves and a modest neckline. Her high-waisted black trousers, tailored with a wide-leg cut, gave her a sophisticated silhouette that complemented her sequin top.

Staley accessorized with a colorful bead necklace. This necklace, which she’s worn since June, was crafted by Blakely, a young girl battling cancer. Staley met Blakely at the UVA Children’s Hospital through her partnership with Aflac.

Staley also wore black studded shoes, adding an edgy twist to her outfit. Black-framed glasses completed her look for the evening.

The choice of necklace held deeper significance. A friend, Tennessee standout Nikki McCray-Penson, passed away from breast cancer, and Staley’s sister was diagnosed with leukemia. These personal experiences have driven Staley to become a vocal advocate for cancer research.

Staley’s recognition at the ESPYS highlights her role in advocating for equality and her commendable leadership in sports.

The ESPYs, which stand for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly, celebrate the best athletes across various sports, including the WNBA, MLB, and UFC. High-profile nominees for the 2024 ESPY Awards include Coco Gauff, Caitlin Clark, and Patrick Mahomes. The evening’s ceremony, held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, will be hosted by 23-time Grand Slam champion and ESPY Award recipient Serena Williams.

Source: Particle News