Dawn Staley and Her Emotional Support Dog, Champ: A Tale of Love, Loyalty, and Basketball
For South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, life on and off the court is a whirlwind of challenges, triumphs, and relentless dedication. But through it all, one constant has kept her grounded: her emotional support dog, Champ. This fluffy Havanese isn’t just a pet; he’s a symbol of resilience, love, and the unbreakable bond between a coach and her four-legged companion.
Champ entered Staley’s life in 2017 after the loss of her previous dog, Ace, who tragically passed away from a brain disease. Devastated by Ace’s passing, Staley wasn’t sure she was ready for another dog. But when her longtime assistant coach Lisa Boyer surprised her with a Havanese puppy, it was love at first sight. “He chose me,” Staley recalls fondly. Champ has been by her side ever since, filling the spaces between the “stones” of her busy life with his calming presence.
Champ isn’t just a silent observer in Staley’s world—he’s an active participant. During the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament, Tennessee Tech head coach Kim Rosamond surprised Staley with a personalized nameplate for Champ at the press conference table. The playful gesture highlighted how much Champ is woven into the fabric of Staley’s life and career. “Thank you, my fur friends… Champ will be in the building and front and center behind his nameplate!” Staley wrote on social media with pride.
For Staley, Champ represents more than companionship; he’s a source of emotional balance in a high-pressure environment. “I know people need paperwork to have an emotional support dog, but you shouldn’t have to have paperwork,” she says. “Everybody should be able to have one. They level you.” Whether it’s calming her nerves after a tough game or simply sitting by her side during quiet moments at home, Champ provides an equilibrium that helps Staley navigate the demands of coaching and life.
The bond between Staley and Champ is also a reflection of her coaching philosophy: loyalty, love, and accountability. Just as she nurtures her players with tough love and unwavering support, she receives unconditional affection from Champ in return. Together, they’re an unstoppable duo—on the sidelines and beyond.
As Dawn Staley continues to build champions on the court, she has already found hers in Champ—a loyal partner who reminds her every day that even in the most intense moments of life, there’s always room for joy and unconditional love.
