November 7, 2006 • Courtesy WNBA

An inspiration to many, Dawn Staley was selected by her 2004 U.S. Olympic peers to lead the United States' delegation into the opening ceremonies in Athens. She was chosen after the rest of the U.S. team captains heard about the work Staley has done in her community.

Beginning in 2007, the WNBA will present the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award to the player who best exemplifies the characteristics of a leader in the community in which she works or lives, it was announced on November 7 by WNBA President Donna Orender. The award will reflect Staley’s contagious leadership, spirit, charitable efforts and love for the game.

“Dawn Staley possesses an unbelievable passion for basketball and for giving back to the community in the hope of inspiring young lives,” said Orender. “As a player and coach she has continually looked to support and impact the dreams of young people. Women’s basketball is certainly richer for her many contributions, but so are the lives of the many people Dawn has reached out to in her hometown of Philadelphia and in the cities where she has played, Charlotte and Houston. It is only fitting that the WNBA create an award that celebrates her spirit of generosity and character.”

The Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award will be presented annually following each regular season to the one player who has demonstrated a continued dedication to charitable and community causes through significant contributions of time and effort. Each WNBA team will nominate one player and a designated committee will select the winner. The WNBA will make a $10,000 donation to the winner’s charity of choice.

A true legend in WNBA and women’s basketball history, Staley has excelled at the highest levels on the court and has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities not only as a point guard and coach, but also as a philanthropist and humanitarian. Staley, who retired from international basketball competition after the 2004 Athens Olympics, retired professionally following the 2006 season. As a player she competed for after eight seasons in the WNBA.

A five-time WNBA All-Star, Staley has established herself as one of the greatest ambassadors in women’s basketball history. Her legacy includes winning three Olympic Gold Medals, being named a member of the WNBA’s All-Decade Team, a two-time winner of the WNBA’s Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award, flag bearer for the USA’s delegation during the opening ceremonies of the 2004 Athens Olympics and Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2005. Staley, head coach of the Temple University Women’s Basketball Team since 2001, also served as the assistant coach for the 2006 USA World Championship Team. Named the National Player of the Year in both 1991 and 1992 while at the University of Virginia, Staley is just one of two players in NCAA Tournament history to be selected as the NCAA Final Four Outstanding Player and later coach a team in the Tournament.

In addition to her on court successes, she created the Dawn Staley Foundation in the fall of 1996. The Philadelphia native felt compelled to give something back to the community that enabled her to achieve success both on the basketball court and in life.

The Dawn Staley Foundation's mission is to create a future of hope for at-risk youth by providing opportunities that help them realize their dreams and become productive and responsible citizens. The creation and support of educational and sports programs which challenge minds, build character, and help youth to develop to their fullest potential academically, socially and physically are the essence of the foundation. To achieve its mission, the foundation supports a variety of programs including an after school program, summer basketball league and mentoring programs for girls, as well as "Day in the Park," an annual daylong community celebration in North Philadelphia.