Dawn Staley, the legendary head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, is known for her fierce competitive spirit on the court. But off the court, she has a heart just as big as her championship trophies. Recently, Staley made headlines for a surprise that left an entire school—and the internet—speechless.

At Jefferson High School, one person keeps things running behind the scenes—Mr. James Willis, the beloved janitor who has been a fixture at the school for over two decades. Known for his warm smile, unwavering work ethic, and encouragement toward students, Mr. Willis had been quietly dealing with a major struggle: his car had broken down months ago, forcing him to take the bus or walk several miles to and from work.

When Dawn Staley heard about his situation through a former player who attended Jefferson, she knew she had to do something. With the help of the school’s principal and some of her connections, she planned an unforgettable surprise.

On a Friday afternoon, students and faculty gathered in the school gym under the pretense of a “special assembly.” Mr. Willis, assuming he was simply helping set up, was caught completely off guard when Staley walked in, microphone in hand.

After sharing how much of an impact he had on the students and school community, she handed him a set of car keys. Outside, waiting for him, was a brand-new  SUV—paid for in full. The look on Mr. Willis’ face said it all: disbelief, joy, and overwhelming gratitude. Tears flowed freely as students erupted in cheers.

“I don’t even know what to say,” Mr. Willis managed through sobs. “I just do my job because I love these kids. I never expected anything like this.”

What Happened Next Will Melt Your Heart

As if the moment wasn’t emotional enough, the story didn’t end there. Inspired by Staley’s act of kindness, the students at Jefferson High started a fundraising campaign to help cover Mr. Willis’ gas, insurance, and maintenance for the foreseeable future. Within 48 hours, donations poured in from across the country, surpassing $25,000.

Even more touching, Staley later revealed that she had been working with a local dealership to ensure Mr. Willis’ new ride came with a lifetime maintenance package—meaning he’d never have to worry about repairs again.

In a world that often highlights negativity, this heartwarming story is a reminder of the power of kindness and community. Dawn Staley’s generosity didn’t just change one man’s life; it inspired an entire school and thousands of others to pay it forward.

As for Mr. Willis? He’s still wiping away tears, but now, he’s doing it from the driver’s seat of his brand-new SUV, proving that sometimes, good people really do get the happy endings they deserve.

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South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley. Katie Dugan | GamecockCentral.com

South Carolina had another record fall this weekend in their worst loss in nearly seven years.

Dawn Staley said the Gamecocks have to be better than they were in their 87-58 loss to UConn on Sunday, which was their largest margin of defeat since the Huskies beat them by 29 as well in the Elite Eight back in 2018.

“We got, we got to play better. We got to perform better,” Staley said postgame. “We just really had an embarrassing performance and we got to get back, get things back on track.”

South Carolina was never in it with Connecticut after the midway point of the first quarter. After they took a seven-point lead into the second quarter, the Huskies would lead by 22 at halftime before the final margin extended to nearly 30. That final score and the stats in the box score were all a statement made by UConn as they improved to 24-3 while the Gamecocks fell to 23-3.

This is also saw the end of a third extensive record for South Carolina from the 2020s. UCLA ended their overall win streak of 43 games back in November after going undefeated last season. Texas then ended their conference winning streak of 57 games just last weekend. Now, UConn ended the home win streak of 71 games for the Gamecocks in Colonial Life Arena.Still, all that means is that those streaks have reset for them to now start again.

“I feel really bad for our, our fans. I mean, they packed the house. They did their part,” said Staley. “I mean, I think we have probably – all of our streaks have been broke this particular year. But it was a hell of a ride. I mean, to win 71 straight – is it 71? 70, 71 straight here. We got a chance to start a new streak on Thursday.”

South Carolina, despite all of them coming against top-ten opponents, has now lost more games this season than they did overall in the three prior to it. The Gamecocks still have more to do, though, as a top-ten team themselves still that’s just a half-game out of first place in their conference with four games to go as they return to league play this week.

“We’ve got to get back at it,” Staley said.