Dawn Staley spoke on faith after South Carolina’s latest win. It sparked a backlash

April 2, 2024

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley had a message for non-believers after her team advanced to the NCAA tournament’s Final Four. According to the Deseret News, Staley told reporters that God answered her team’s prayers and she said, “If you don’t believe in God, something’s wrong with you, seriously.” 

Her comment resonated with believers who praised her for sharing her faith but others have questioned why Staley would take a shot at non-believers.

The Deseret News reports that the North Carolina women’s basketball coach has spoken about her Christian faith regularly on social media. Staley thanked God after her team won the NCAA title two years ago.

Some of those who took exception to Staley’s remarks said she needed to be more respectful toward the nonreligious community. Others questioned whether it’s appropriate to pray for a win in a ball game.

Others were uncomfortable with her expression of faith and worried that Staley might be abusing her position of authority by promoting her faith at a secular institution.

Staley, whose team is 36-0 for the season pushed back saying, “I am not ashamed to praise (God) for what he continues to do for me and mine. If you’re a nonbeliever it wasn’t for you — wish you well with your beliefs.”

Her team will face North Carolina State on Friday for a chance to advance to the final.

Photo: top, Credit Hans Pennink, Associated Press