Columbia, SC – May 12, 2025 — South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has always been more than just a coach—she’s been a mentor, a leader, and, to many, a second mother. That legacy continued this weekend as she shared a deeply emotional message to former player Chloe Kitts after news broke of Kitts’ unexpected marriage and selfless adoption journey.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, 20-year-old Chloe Kitts revealed that she and fellow South Carolina student-athlete Collin Murray-Boyles are officially engaged and plan to marry this fall. But the couple didn’t stop there—they also announced they had adopted a baby girl, abandoned by a homeless mother in downtown Columbia.

“Life doesn’t always follow the script you think it will,” Kitts wrote. “But sometimes, the most unexpected chapters are the ones where you find your true purpose. Collin and I are blessed to begin this journey with our beautiful daughter. She chose us, and we chose her.”

The post immediately went viral, drawing love and praise from fans, former teammates, and the Gamecock community. But it was Dawn Staley’s emotional video message that left many in tears.

“Chloe, when I recruited you, I knew you had heart. But what you’re doing now—that’s beyond heart. That’s soul. You and Collin are building a family rooted in love, compassion, and courage.

I’m proud of the athlete you were, but I’m even more proud of the woman you’re becoming. That little girl is already so lucky. Just know, this Gamecock family? We’re with you. Always. You’re not just living your dream—you’re living a legacy.”

Fans flooded the comments with tearful emojis and heartfelt replies. “Coach Staley is the mother figure we all need,” one user wrote. Another said, “What Chloe and Collin did is what this world needs more of. Dawn’s words just make it even more powerful.”
Columbia, SC – May 12, 2025 — South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has always been more than just a coach—she’s been a mentor, a leader, and, to many, a second mother. That legacy continued this weekend as she shared a deeply emotional message to former player Chloe Kitts after news broke of Kitts’ unexpected marriage and selfless adoption journey.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, 20-year-old Chloe Kitts revealed that she and fellow South Carolina student-athlete Collin Murray-Boyles are officially engaged and plan to marry this fall. But the couple didn’t stop there—they also announced they had adopted a baby girl, abandoned by a homeless mother in downtown Columbia.

“Life doesn’t always follow the script you think it will,” Kitts wrote. “But sometimes, the most unexpected chapters are the ones where you find your true purpose. Collin and I are blessed to begin this journey with our beautiful daughter. She chose us, and we chose her.”

The post immediately went viral, drawing love and praise from fans, former teammates, and the Gamecock community. But it was Dawn Staley’s emotional video message that left many in tears.

“Chloe, when I recruited you, I knew you had heart. But what you’re doing now—that’s beyond heart. That’s soul. You and Collin are building a family rooted in love, compassion, and courage.

I’m proud of the athlete you were, but I’m even more proud of the woman you’re becoming. That little girl is already so lucky. Just know, this Gamecock family? We’re with you. Always. You’re not just living your dream—you’re living a legacy.”

Fans flooded the comments with tearful emojis and heartfelt replies. “Coach Staley is the mother figure we all need,” one user wrote. Another said, “What Chloe and Collin did is what this world needs more of. Dawn’s words just make it even more powerful.”

Collin Murray-Boyles, a rising star on the men’s basketball team, also posted his gratitude:

“Coach, thank you for embracing our family with such love. We’re committed to raising our daughter with the same values you teach every day: strength, unity, and love.”

The couple met at the University of South Carolina and bonded over their shared passion for sports and community service. Their decision to adopt the child—who was left in a blanket near a downtown shelter—was described by friends as “an act of instant, fearless love.”

Chloe’s story has now become more than basketball. It’s about humanity. It’s about stepping up when the world least expects it. And thanks to Coach Staley’s unwavering support, it’s about knowing that no matter where life leads, the Gamecock family never stops cheering.

As Chloe prepares for marriage, motherhood, and a future far beyond the court, one thing is clear: she’s already scored the biggest win of her life.
Collin Murray-Boyles, a rising star on the men’s basketball team, also posted his gratitude:

“Coach, thank you for embracing our family with such love. We’re committed to raising our daughter with the same values you teach every day: strength, unity, and love.”

The couple met at the University of South Carolina and bonded over their shared passion for sports and community service. Their decision to adopt the child—who was left in a blanket near a downtown shelter—was described by friends as “an act of instant, fearless love.”

Chloe’s story has now become more than basketball. It’s about humanity. It’s about stepping up when the world least expects it. And thanks to Coach Staley’s unwavering support, it’s about knowing that no matter where life leads, the Gamecock family never stops cheering.

As Chloe prepares for marriage, motherhood, and a future far beyond the court, one thing is clear: she’s already scored the biggest win of her life.