Plies Shows Support for South Carolina Women’s Basketball, Gifts Coach Staley Championship Chain
Rapper Plies made a bold statement of support for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, attending their second-round NCAA Tournament game against Indiana on Sunday. The outspoken artist, known for his energetic performances and distinctive style, stood out in the crowd with a vibrant pink hat, crew neck sweater, and an array of silver chains and jewelry. His presence at the Colonial Life Arena, the Gamecocks’ home court, underscored his long-standing connection with the team and its esteemed head coach, Dawn Staley.
Plies’ enthusiasm for the Gamecocks extended beyond mere attendance. Before the tournament began, he presented Staley with a custom-designed gold chain, a dazzling symbol of the team’s past successes and future aspirations. The chain, meticulously crafted in the shape of the NCAA Tournament trophy with a basketball perched on top, is adorned with sparkling diamonds. Adding a personal touch, the back of the chain features a meaningful Bible verse: "God Is Within Her. She Will Not Fail!’ Psalm 46:50." The chain also bears the years of South Carolina’s championship victories – 2017, 2022, and 2024 – along with Staley’s name, a testament to her pivotal role in the team’s achievements.
Speaking about his generous gift, Plies explained his desire to express his appreciation for Staley in a unique and memorable way. "It was me trying to find my soft spot," he said. "I didn’t want to make her feel too much like a rapper, but that’s something I feel like she openly deserved. I just wanted to give her flowers, that was my way of trying to show that."
Plies’ deep connection with Staley and the Gamecocks is no recent development. He has been a fixture at regular-season games, offering his support from the sidelines. Last season, he traveled to Cleveland to cheer on the team at the Final Four. The bond between the rapper and the coach extends beyond the basketball court. Last summer, Staley joined Plies on stage during his concert in Columbia, sharing a memorable dance with the artist in front of his fans.
Plies’ attendance at the Gamecocks’ tournament game reflects his genuine admiration for the team and its impact on the community. He expressed his hope that the positive atmosphere at the arena could serve as an example for the country as a whole. "I look around this place and it gives me hope," Plies said, referring to the energetic environment at Colonial Life Arena. "It gives me hope, what we can be as a country. For me, this is therapeutic for me, I need it."
The rapper’s commitment to supporting Staley and the Gamecocks is even more remarkable considering his busy schedule. Plies had a concert scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sunday in Greensboro, North Carolina, a city located nearly 200 miles from Columbia. Despite the distance and the time constraints, he made it a priority to be present at the Gamecocks’ game, demonstrating his unwavering support for the team.
Plies’ presence at the South Carolina game brought a unique level of attention to the women’s basketball program. His celebrity status and distinctive style made him a focal point of media coverage, further amplifying the excitement surrounding the tournament. His comments about the team’s positive influence on the community and his personal connection with Staley resonated with fans and observers alike. Plies’ genuine enthusiasm for the Gamecocks served as a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together and inspire hope. His gesture of gifting the custom-made chain will be remembered for a long time. The chain itself represents a symbol of pride and hard work, not only for Dawn Staley, but for the entire program. It is an eternal reminder that the Gamecocks have been champions and are striving to become champions once again. It embodies the spirit of teamwork, determination, and excellence.
The relationship between Plies and Staley transcends the typical celebrity-athlete connection. It is a genuine friendship built on mutual respect and admiration. Their bond highlights the importance of community engagement and the positive impact that individuals can have on one another. Plies’ support for Staley and the Gamecocks serves as an inspiration to others, encouraging them to embrace their passions and give back to their communities. Staley’s presence during Plies’ concert also reinforces the importance of supporting your friends, regardless of their occupation. They both work very hard to achieve their goals and it helps them to know they have each other’s support.
Plies’ support of the women’s basketball team also shines light on the importance of supporting women’s sports in general. Often, women’s sports don’t receive the same attention as male sports. With support from famous celebrities like Plies, more attention and support will hopefully be shone upon women’s basketball. This will result in greater revenues for the sport and more fans in attendance. This will also allow the sport to get more broadcasted on TV. More women playing basketball as children will have the opportunity to play professional basketball as adults. Plies helping to support the sport is very important for its future.
Olivia Noni, the author of the original article, is a student in the University of Georgia’s Sports Media Certificate program. Her coverage of Plies’ support for the South Carolina Gamecocks provided valuable insight into the rapper’s connection with the team and his appreciation for their accomplishments. The article brought attention to the impact of celebrity support on sports programs and the positive influence that athletes and artists can have on their communities.
