USC head coach Dawn Staley to speak at upcoming Myrtle Beach women’s conference

MYRTLE BEACH — University of South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley is one of the featured speakers at an upcoming women’s conference in Myrtle Beach this October.

The inaugural Ignite Women’s Conference, presented by Tidelands Health, is slated for Oct. 13 at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center, featuring a full day of education and networking opportunities for Grand Strand women.

Other scheduled speakers for the one-day event include Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune, Conway Mayor Barbara Jo Blain-Bellamy and Georgetown Mayor Carol Jayroe.

Staley is scheduled to participate in a moderated Q&A luncheon as well as a photo session, giving conference attendees the opportunity to meet with the hall of fame coach and player, according to event officials.

No stranger to the Myrtle Beach venue, Staley previously coached the Gamecocks in the Carolina’s Challenge women’s college game held in December against other Division 1 schools.

“We’re ecstatic to have Coach Staley speak at this inaugural event designed to motivate women from across the Grand Strand,” said Karen Riordan, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce president. “Dawn is such an empowering inspiration for women in our state and throughout the world, and we know she will bring an energizing presentation to all our attendees.”

North Philadelphia-native Staley led the Gamecocks to a second NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship in April, finishing the season 35-2 and ranked No. 1 in both major polls for the entire season.

The University of Virginia graduate has won three Olympic gold medals with Team USA as a player and one as a head coach over her decades-long career in basketball. She played in the American Basketball League as well as the WNBA, later being inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 2013.

Before being named USC head coach in 2008, Staley led Temple University with an overall coaching record of 172–80, along with six NCAA appearances and four Atlantic 10 titles at the Philadelphia school.

Event organizers said the scheduled presenters will speak about their path to where they are now, what keeps them engaged and their ability to be resilient during the demands that life brings. Additionally, there will be breakout sessions throughout the day including topics such as career advancement, achieving goals and health and wellness.

Sponsors for the Ignite Women’s Conference include Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union, Invera Wealth Advisors of Raymond James, Dominion Energy, Burr & Forman LLP, Carolina Cool, Truist, Design the Sign and Viv&Lou.

Registration for the Oct. 13 event is open and available online at myrtlebeachareachamber.com/ignite.