COLUMBA — Before returning home from a team-building trip to the Charleston area this past weekend, head coach Dawn Staley ensured her South Carolina women’s basketball squad made one special last stop — Emanuel AME Church.
The Gamecocks on Sunday visited the sanctuary where nine people were slain June 17 during a shooting at a bible study.
“I want our players to be appreciative of life, because nine people lost their lives in that church, and it affected so many people,” Staley said Monday. “I wanted us to take a moment of silence for the people who lost their lives, but also let (USC’s players) know — they’re in a fortunate positon to breathe fresh air, something the nine (victims) have been robbed of.