WATCH: South Carolina's Dawn Staley celebrates her dog Champ's birthday with hilarious tribute

Dawn Staley, Champ Staley (Image Credits: IMAGN, Instagram/@champstaley)
Dawn Staley, Champ Staley (Image Credits: IMAGN, Instagram/@champstaley)

Dawn Staley celebrated her dog Champ's birthday with a shout-out on X. The black and gray Havanese dog, who has been a constant companion in practices and even interviews, turned seven on Monday.

"It’s my boy’s @ChampStaley 7th birthday and there’s not a day I can remember before 7 years ago that I’ve enjoyed more than having him in my life for the past 7 years," Staley wrote.
"Happy birthday Champy….love you my boy! Everyone please wish my boy happy born day! Thank you! 🐾 🐾 🐾."

Champ Staley is a mini-celebrity in the South Carolina team and they even let him take over their social media last month. He gave fans a peek into his life, including his everyday routine.

"I think its time you see what its like having the coolest mom ever," he said. "Mom puts me in some pretty cool drip. Come one, look at me strut. I get to be stylish just like her too.
"She also takes me to so many fun places. I like getting to see all these different dog houses. There are these huge ones that have so many seats. Imagine how many dogs can play here too? I can play just like she did. Look at me run so fast."

Dawn Staley lists the reasons South Carolina always stands out

Since taking over the South Carolina Gamecocks in 2008, Dawn Staley has helped the program rise as one of the best in the nation. She led them to the first NCAA title in 2017 and has since won it twice since.

Coach Staley's players have gone on to make it big in the WNBA and the program has two No. 1 picks, Aliyah Boston and A'ja Wilson. They are one of the most competitive teams in the NCAA and Staley named the reasons for it's success.

"It's trusting your process," the coach said. "It's blending work and joy. It's walking to every arena and seeing Garnet and Black and showing the fans, our fans, they're pretty special.
"It's having faith in the people standing next to you and celebrating their successes as much as your own. It's believing in the unexpected. It's uncommon."

With most players returning for the upcoming season, the South Carolina Gamecocks are the favorites to repeat their 2024 title win, which they did with a perfect 38-0 record.

Also read: When does Dawn Staley's South Carolina begin its 2024-25 season? Looking at Gamecocks' season opener

Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey - who is NCAAW's highest-paid coach? Find out here

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash
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