COLUMBIA, SC — A special moment of celebration unfolded as South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley sent a heartfelt congratulatory message to her longtime best friend, NASCAR driver Ryan Preece, on the birth of his child.
For Staley, the joy was amplified by the fact that the announcement coincided with her own birthday, making the occasion a double celebration. In a statement shared across her social media channels, Staley expressed her joy: “Double the blessings today. To see one of my best friends step into fatherhood on the same day I celebrate another year of life—what a gift. Congrats, Ryan. Your baby is lucky to have you.”
The connection between Staley and Preece runs deep. Both share a strong bond of friendship, built over years of mutual respect and admiration. Staley, whose legacy in women’s basketball includes three NCAA championships, three Olympic gold medals, and multiple Coach of the Year honors, has often spoken about the importance of family and close relationships. Preece, a NASCAR driver for RFK Racing, has similarly emphasized the role of family and close-knit relationships in his own life and career.
The timing of the birth, which fell on Staley’s birthday, made the moment even more meaningful. Fans from both the worlds of NCAA basketball and NASCAR were quick to offer warm congratulations, celebrating not only the arrival of Preece’s child but also the bond that these two high-profile figures share.
Staley’s message was a reminder of the unbreakable ties of friendship that go beyond the competitive arenas where both athletes excel. It was a moment that encapsulated the joy of personal milestones and the power of strong, lasting friendships.
As both Staley and Preece continue to shine in their respective fields, their celebration of family and friendship stands as a testament to the importance of life’s most meaningful conn
