Non-Lady Vol Basketball News 2024-25

[lvocd]

I've said it be4 and will say it again. I don't really like how Dawn talks about "Blacks" to me it sounds like she recruiting just Blacks and some people are stating to get tired of it. My family barely watch her and they like can this coach give a speech without mentioning Blacks..

Of course she regularly mentions Blacks. She's made it her mission to advocate for young Black women, and so she kinda has to be out there with it. I've also noticed she has White players as well, so she's obviously not ignoring strong White players on the recruiting trail. I mean, if you think about it, if her being out there with her Blackness offends or alienates young White women and/or their parents, then South Carolina is probably not the program for them.

Anyway, I'm old and White, but somehow have managed to find it refreshing that someone is taking a stand for Black women. Gawd knows there are countless unspoken (and spoken) slights made against them every single day, so I don't see what is actually wrong with setting her program up as a destination for young Black women and, of course, for young White women who are socially evolved.

I've probably said too much.

 

[glv98]

So what did she actually say? I think that's important to know on this subject that is so fraught. In this context, there's a big difference in "needs to" "should" and "should have the opportunity".

Sure, it doesn’t mean there won’t be problems but if problems do arise it won’t be because of their minority status.

This I think we can all agree with. Some players will feel safest if the possibility of racial discrimination is removed. Understandable.

But playing for someone who "looks like you" should definitely not be presented as a panacea. There can still be plenty of problems, some cultural. What if you're same race but from a tiny town in Mississippi and Coach is from Queens? Not alot relatable about that.

It's a delicate balance. Promising a better experience bc you're the same race does risk reducing one to only their racial identity. There should definitely be that option, but I would hate for those who choose to play for a coach who isn't Black to be labeled as betraying their race or acting against their own self interest.

 

[Lucy]

Of course she regularly mentions Blacks. She's made it her mission to advocate for young Black women, and so she kinda has to be out there with it. I've also noticed she has White players as well, so she's obviously not ignoring strong White players on the recruiting trail. I mean, if you think about it, if her being out there with her Blackness offends or alienates young White women and/or their parents, then South Carolina is probably not the program for them.

Anyway, I'm old and White, but somehow have managed to find it refreshing that someone is taking a stand for Black women. Gawd knows there are countless unspoken (and spoken) slights made against them every single day, so I don't see what is actually wrong with setting her program up as a destination for young Black women and, of course, for young White women who are socially evolved.

I've probably said too much.

To me, said it just right.

 

[sisaq]

Of course she regularly mentions Blacks. She's made it her mission to advocate for young Black women, and so she kinda has to be out there with it. I've also noticed she has White players as well, so she's obviously not ignoring strong White players on the recruiting trail. I mean, if you think about it, if her being out there with her Blackness offends or alienates young White women and/or their parents, then South Carolina is probably not the program for them.

Anyway, I'm old and White, but somehow have managed to find it refreshing that someone is taking a stand for Black women. Gawd knows there are countless unspoken (and spoken) slights made against them every single day, so I don't see what is actually wrong with setting her program up as a destination for young Black women and, of course, for young White women who are socially evolved.

I've probably said too much.

Ok u win

 

[LV renaissance]

Given where we are societally with so much open hostility and discrimination and increasing denial by many White people that racism even exists in this country, having Black representation and role models is absolutely important. Not everyone seeks that out, but I am 100% certain that having the option to play for someone whom you know 100% understands you and what it's like to navigate life as someone with darker skin in this era, is extremely important.

Like I've said before, I feel like Staley understands that she can be that person for kids who may want/ need that extra bit of confirmation and support that one can often only get from people who look like you and sound like you and have had many of the same struggles.

It's a great time for a highly successful, Black, socially-active coach to be recruiting young, Black kids looking for a role model. And I'm okay with that!

Fortunately, our country born-and-raised, blond-haired, blue-eyed coach is about as sweet as honey, and just as genuine. Passionate about basketball, family, friends and the growth of her players -- on and off the court. Both Black and White kids can sense that, so Kellie's gonna get her share of players from all cultures.

It's all good!

I absolutely love this. I agree with you completely here. Dawn is awesome in her fearlessness in reaching out to others, as I imagine she knows personally as a black woman raised in a housing project how essential role models are. Some kids desperately need this from someone who has shown them that there is a path towards unimaginable success even if you were raised poor, black and female. Other players may already have what they need this area, and they may gravitate to the multi-racial family feel of Kellie's team or a strong male presence that was missing from their lives by going with a male coach. Others may go to coaches that specialize in skill building in a certain area of need. It is all good!!!! History would suggest that if Dawn was so against white people that the stands wouldn't be full of them each home game. It is mostly fans of other teams that bring this up.

 

[creekdipper]

Of course she regularly mentions Blacks. She's made it her mission to advocate for young Black women, and so she kinda has to be out there with it. I've also noticed she has White players as well, so she's obviously not ignoring strong White players on the recruiting trail. I mean, if you think about it, if her being out there with her Blackness offends or alienates young White women and/or their parents, then South Carolina is probably not the program for them.

Anyway, I'm old and White, but somehow have managed to find it refreshing that someone is taking a stand for Black women. Gawd knows there are countless unspoken (and spoken) slights made against them every single day, so I don't see what is actually wrong with setting her program up as a destination for young Black women and, of course, for young White women who are socially evolved.

I've probably said too much.

No, you communicated your perspective well. Clearly stated and easily understood. Thats the beauty of wording a statement without ambiguity or the need for clarifying to clear up wrong impressions.

 

[VolBall09]

Of course she regularly mentions Blacks. She's made it her mission to advocate for young Black women, and so she kinda has to be out there with it. I've also noticed she has White players as well, so she's obviously not ignoring strong White players on the recruiting trail. I mean, if you think about it, if her being out there with her Blackness offends or alienates young White women and/or their parents, then South Carolina is probably not the program for them.

Anyway, I'm old and White, but somehow have managed to find it refreshing that someone is taking a stand for Black women. Gawd knows there are countless unspoken (and spoken) slights made against them every single day, so I don't see what is actually wrong with setting her program up as a destination for young Black women and, of course, for young White women who are socially evolved.

I've probably said too much.

This site is better with you on it. Missed you so much last year

Such a big heart, love this post.

 

[glv98]

I absolutely love this. I agree with you completely here. Dawn is awesome in her fearlessness in reaching out to others, as I imagine she knows personally as a black woman raised in a housing project how essential role models are. Some kids desperately need this from someone who has shown them that there is a path towards unimaginable success even if you were raised poor, black and female. Other players may already have what they need this area, and they may gravitate to the multi-racial family feel of Kellie's team or a strong male presence that was missing from their lives by going with a male coach. Others may go to coaches that specialize in skill building in a certain area of need. It is all good!!!! History would suggest that if Dawn was so against white people that the stands wouldn't be full of them each home game. It is mostly fans of other teams that bring this up.

Great summary, agree completely. Being coached by someone who "looks like you" should be an option. As should filling other needs with your choice as you wonderfully stated. That's why whether Dawn used the words "needs" and "should" is important. If she makes it an absolute as with those words, it diminishes the choice and the needs of players of color who chose otherwise.

My problem with Dawn, and its all irrational sports animosity and not personal at all, is that she comes across totally without humor and with an almost comic sense of self-importance. As for the banner and statue, for me its the equivalent of Kim's flea market jackets - trying too hard and coming off over over and tacky. My main problem with her of course is that she currently owns us and the SEC and we don't. Simple as that.

 

[lvocd]

Thank you, VolBall09.

 

[sisaq]

I lov NCAA system rules now whereby player transfers and play immediately. Now if one school picks up top recruits from high school then other coaches look into top porter transfer. It's very competitive for coaches to recruit & maintain their current players to stay.

 

[orange beard]

I've said it be4 and will say it again. I don't really like how Dawn talks about "Blacks" to me it sounds like she recruiting just Blacks and some people are stating to get tired of it. My family barely watch her and they like can this coach give a speech without mentioning Blacks..

I agree 1000%!!! If i was white and somehow got on her team i would be pissed. I have never liked her even when she played and still dont. If she is not racist then i wonder who is! No one will stand up to her because they would be cancelled and or run out of town. I have family who are in south carolina and die hard cockey fans and graduates and they can not stand what she has turned that team into .

 

[LUVMESUMVOL]

Whether you agree or disagree with Dawn she's smart.She knows what she is saying and why and the results In recruiting rankings prove it.Look at the attire she wore for the game it went against the more lady like outfit but her attire went viral and now that company is getting all kind of orders for that jacket look at the dancing on the court it's appealing and resonating her agenda that some of us know what's she's trying to do

 

[LadyVol1908]

I've said it be4 and will say it again. I don't really like how Dawn talks about "Blacks" to me it sounds like she recruiting just Blacks and some people are stating to get tired of it. My family barely watch her and they like can this coach give a speech without mentioning Blacks..

Sisaq are you black? If so, are you okay?

 

[CockyGuy]

I've said it be4 and will say it again. I don't really like how Dawn talks about "Blacks" to me it sounds like she recruiting just Blacks and some people are stating to get tired of it. My family barely watch her and they like can this coach give a speech without mentioning Blacks..

Um whut?

 

[CockyGuy]

I agree 1000%!!! If i was white and somehow got on her team i would be pissed. I have never liked her even when she played and still dont. If she is not racist then i wonder who is! No one will stand up to her because they would be cancelled and or run out of town. I have family who are in south carolina and die hard cockey fans and graduates and they can not stand what she has turned that team into .

I assume they prefer what the team was before she got there? Makes perfect sense..

 

[LUVMESUMVOL]

I agree 1000%!!! If i was white and somehow got on her team i would be pissed. I have never liked her even when she played and still dont. If she is not racist then i wonder who is! No one will stand up to her because they would be cancelled and or run out of town. I have family who are in south carolina and die hard cockey fans and graduates and they can not stand what she has turned that team into .

y
Your family is in the minority then. the University of South Carolina revelancy is from the women's basketball program

 

[CoryDallasLV]

I agree 1000%!!! If i was white and somehow got on her team i would be pissed. I have never liked her even when she played and still dont. If she is not racist then i wonder who is! No one will stand up to her because they would be cancelled and or run out of town. I have family who are in south carolina and die hard cockey fans and graduates and they can not stand what she has turned that team into .

Sounds like you might be perhaps. Not her. Nothing racist in what she's saying or doing. Racism certainly comes up in some of the responses though at least in my opinion. Just saying.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

I agree 1000%!!! If i was white and somehow got on her team i would be pissed. I have never liked her even when she played and still dont. If she is not racist then i wonder who is! No one will stand up to her because they would be cancelled and or run out of town. I have family who are in south carolina and die hard cockey fans and graduates and they can not stand what she has turned that team into .

What has she turned the team into?

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

y
Your family is in the minority then. the University of South Carolina revelancy is from the women's basketball program

And Equestrian sports

 

[FrozenLVFan]

Looks like Dawn is getting Angel Reese and Ashley Owusu.

 

[superfly]

I agree 1000%!!! If i was white and somehow got on her team i would be pissed. I have never liked her even when she played and still dont. If she is not racist then i wonder who is! No one will stand up to her because they would be cancelled and or run out of town. I have family who are in south carolina and die hard cockey fans and graduates and they can not stand what she has turned that team into .

That must be an awfully small family you have there. Dawn is loved by all the fans...male and female. They would make her the men's basketball coach and the athletic director as well as the women's coach if they had their way. Your family in South Carolina is way out of touch with the fans.....

 

[creekdipper]

And Equestrian sports

Neigh, neigh.

 

[Lucy]

Is it just me or has this discussion of Dawn opened up age old and current hurts, frustrations, blind spots etc.?
No doubt some will disagree but I think we should lay this down. I would hate to see this discussion do permanent harm to this forum and the folks who post here.

 

[LadyVol1908]

Is it just me or has this discussion of Dawn opened up age old and current hurts, frustrations, blind spots etc.?
No doubt some will disagree but I think we should lay this down. I would hate to see this discussion do permanent harm to this forum and the folks who post here.

I completely agree! It could go in such a nasty direction! Race always does and always will!

 

[VolBall09]

Looks like Dawn is getting Angel Reese and Ashley Owusu.

She’s gonna have some transfer out then. Stupid idea if you ask me. She has a natty team coming back. Why upset the Apple cart with two players you don’t need?