3x national champ Dawn Staley teams up with Aflac team for heartwarming cause following World Sickle Cell Day

Three-time national championship-winning South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley has cemented herself as one of the most popular figures in college sports in the past few months, as she led her team to a dominant national championship win.

The charismatic Staley recently showed her philanthropic side when she teamed up with health supplemental insurance Aflac to give "My Special Aflac Ducks" to patients at the Prisma Health Children's Hospital-Midlands.

The Aflac Duck is a technologically driven innovation that helps to train children in incidences of medical procedures and how to better communicate and distract themselves during these situations.

The ever-supportive coach posted a picture with one of the patients who will be impacted by the Aflac Ducks on Instagram.

"What an inspirational day visiting the kiddos at @prisma_health. Thank you @aflacduck for a second opportunity to bring a little comfort and joy to these amazing children with @MySpecialAflacDuck! This cause hits close to home….I appreciate the chance to help raise awareness of sickle cell disease," Staley wrote in the caption of the post.

After the event, Dawn Staley revealed why she was so invested in the cause, comparing it to winning the national championship undefeated with the South Carolina Gamecocks.

"After my first My Special Aflac Duck delivery last year, I wore a necklace crafted by a patient, serving as a constant reminder to maintain perspective in all situations. Aflac and I are deeply committed to giving back, particularly to children facing sickle cell — an often overlooked community," said Dawn Staley.

"Today's event carries even greater significance, especially on the heels of World Sickle Cell Day. While an undefeated season and national championships are tremendous accomplishments, nothing outweighs the special place these children hold in my heart."

Dawn Staley to receive prestigious award

Dawn Staley has captured many hearts and minds as coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks both on and off the court. She is set to receive the prestigious Jimmy V Award for Perseverance during the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11.

Staley will be the first woman to receive the award solo since it was established 17 years ago. Former NC State Wolfpack coach Kay Yow won it in 2007 after leading her team to March Madness following chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.

"The award not only recognizes her (Staley's) resilience on the court and ongoing support for women’s sports and equality in the sports world but also for her leadership in the fight against cancer," ESPN wrote in a press release.

Dawn Staley lost close friend and former assistant Nikki McCray-Penson to cancer last year, and her sister Tracey Underwood was diagnosed with leukemia in 2020. Her fight against the disease with her loved ones has earned her the award.