Beyoncé sends letter, gifts to Staley, champs

Beyoncé has cultivated one of the biggest fan bases in the world, primarily known on social media as the “BeyHive.”

However, the singer from Houston can take time from her career to become a fan, too.

On Wednesday, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley shared a letter and gifts she received from Beyoncé following the program’s undefeated season and 2024 NCAA Tournament national championship. Staley became the first Black coach to lead a team to an undefeated season in Division I college basketball when the Gamecocks defeated Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the national championship game.

“To Coach Staley and the entire South Carolina Gamecocks, me and my family watched your games and cheered you on through the entire season. I am so proud of you, all of my love,” Beyoncé wrote in her letter (as read by Staley on her X account, formerly Twitter).

After reading the letter, Staley motioned for someone in the background to “hit it,” at which point the song “Texas Hold ’Em” – from Beyoncé’s new album “Cowboy Carter” – started playing. Staley went on to thank Beyoncé, her husband (Jay-Z, aka Shawn Carter), and their kids Blue Ivy, Sir and Rumi.

“That’s B. That’s B. B and her family,” Staley said with excitement. “Yes, Mr. Carter. Yes, Blue, you did your thing, Blue. Sir and Rumi. B, thank you! We appreciate you; we are honored to wear your gear.”

Staley shared a video of her reading the letter from Beyoncé and gifts from the artist. Staley was born in Philadelphia, attended college at the University of Virginia, and played in the WNBA. Following a six-time All-Star career in the WNBA, she coached at Temple before becoming the South Carolina coach in 2008.

“It says, ‘Always been country,’ ” Staley said, pointing to the T-shirt she had sitting next to her sent from Beyoncé. “Well, guess what? I’ve been in the South for 16 years. I am a little country, too, just because of you B. Keep inspiring; we love you.”