Dawn Staley References Pay Disparity At ESPY Awards

The ESPY Awards took place on July 11 and winning South Carolina basketball head coach, Dawn Staley was given a special award spotlighting perseverance. During the acceptance speech, she called out pay disparity by stating that she does “the same job” and gets “paid less” but wins more.

Staley, who just completed an undefeated season while winning her third NCAA Championship (two in a row) accepted the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the ESPYs. She spoke about the pay difference that women like her experience when doing the same job as a man, yet, not reaping the benefits matching the salary and compensation. This matches the spirit and purpose of the Jimmy V Award, given to someone who has overcome obstacles in their journey.

She speaks on her influence on young women, specifically the ones she coaches on the Gamecocks basketball team.

“How do I not fight injustice when I ask them to do things the right way? How do I not fight for fairness when I ask them not to cheat themselves? How do I not fight for equity, when I tell them they can climb as high as they want, they can be all that they want.”

She also recognizes that the fight is still unfair when it comes to compensation between the genders. With Staley being one of the most recognizable and successful basketball players and coaches (male and female), the pay still differs and she must use her voice in the same way she encourages those who look up to her.

“How do I not fight pay disparity, when I do the same job and get paid less but win more? I can’t ask them to stand up for themselves if I’m sitting down. Nor can I ask them to use their voice for change if I’m only willing to whisper.”

A piece from @dawnstaley’s incredible #ESPY24 speech accepting the Jimmy V Award. Plenty of gems in here, including acknowledging her team in attendance, but my personal favorite?
“How do I not fight pay disparity when I get paid less but win more” 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/zZljqKtc6m
— Tyler DeLuca (@TylerDeLuca) July 12, 2024