Dawn Staley to match donations to Temple women's hoops through 'Match the Momentum' campaign
Yes, Dawn Staley grew up in North Philadelphia and became the national girls high school player of the year at Dobbins Tech. And yes, Staley got her start as a college head coach 25 years ago at Temple.
Nevertheless, it’s rare and somewhat remarkable in 2025 to see one Division I college head coach donate to another Division I team, but that is exactly what Staley is doing.
Temple on Monday announced its ‘Match the Momentum’ campaign Monday, one that will have Staley matching any donation made to the Owls’ women’s basketball program between Oct. 20 and Oct. 25.
Monday’s social media announcement included a video message from Staley, a former WNBA start and US Olympian who has led South Carolina to three national championships.
“When you grow up in North Philly, Temple was the place to be,” Staley, who grew up in the Raymond Rosen Homes before starring at Dobbins, said at the outset of her video message.
Temple women’s head coach Diane Richardson has built a friendship with Staley that dates back more than 10 years to when Staley recruited players from Richardson’s Riverdale Baptist high school program in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
“Dawn Staley understands that young girls in Philly want to aspire to play basketball,” Richardson told OwlScoop Monday. “Just as she grew up in North Philly and had basketball as an outlet to reach her goals, her time at Temple was instrumental in building the confidence in young women. We need to continue to shine our light as a program that values the sport and the lessons learned through participating. Let her gift open the door for donors, alumni and friends to catch the momentum and add to the great things happening for Temple women’s basketball.”
Richardson’s Owls open their season Monday, Nov. 3 against George Mason.
