Dawn Staley, South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball coach, received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the ESPY Awards for her advocacy for pay equity and cancer research. Staley highlighted the pay gap faced by female coaches and called for fairness in compensation, despite her successful coaching record. She led the Gamecocks to an undefeated season, securing her third NCAA championship. Staley's impactful speech also emphasized the importance of fighting for justice and using her platform responsibly. The event recognized other sports figures like Simone Biles and Caitlin Clark, with all proceeds supporting cancer research through the Jimmy V Foundation.