South Carolina’s MiLaysia Fulwiley Named Finalist for Prestigious Dawn Staley Award
MiLaysia Fulwiley continues to make waves in women’s college basketball, as the South Carolina sophomore has been named one of four finalists for The Dawn Staley Award, the Phoenix Club of Philadelphia announced. This prestigious honor recognizes the top NCAA Division I player who exemplifies elite ball-handling, scoring, playmaking, and an undeniable will to win—traits that defined Dawn Staley’s legendary career.
Fulwiley has been a standout for the Gamecocks, earning SEC Sixth Woman of the Year and All-SEC Second Team honors earlier this month. She then solidified her impact by making the SEC Tournament All-Tournament Team, helping South Carolina secure its third straight tournament title.
A Columbia, S.C. native, Fulwiley has been a key offensive weapon, ranking second on the team in scoring with 12.0 points per game, which jumps to 13.4 points in SEC play. She has scored in double figures in 11 of her last 13 games, including a career-high 24-point explosion against Vanderbilt. She has led the team in scoring on seven occasions this season.
Her defensive presence has also been crucial, stepping up in SEC play as the league’s top shot-blocking guard. She ranks 10th in the SEC in blocks per game and 9th in steals per conference game, with eight contests of at least three steals, including five against top-15 opponents.
Now, No. 2-ranked South Carolina awaits its 2025 NCAA Tournament seeding, set to be revealed on Sunday, March 16, at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
Dawn Staley Award Finalists:
- Paige Bueckers (UConn)
- MiLaysia Fulwiley (South Carolina)
- Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame)
- JuJu Watkins (Southern Cal)
As Fulwiley’s breakout season continues, she has the chance to add another major accolade to her already impressive resume.
