Dawn Staley, a former coach of Temple’s women’s basketball team, won the NCAA women’s basketball championship earlier this month at South Carolina.

   Last Thursday, she returned to her hometown roots in Philadelphia and was honored at Murrell Dobbins High School, where she graduated in 1988.

  6ABC reported that she had a Final Four net draped around her neck, which she called her “netlace.” She was honored by several city officials and Temple coaches including Mayor Jim Kenney, Fran Dunphy and John Chaney.

   “I think the people of North Philly and the people that support you, they paint the picture, and this is a beautiful picture to come back and to share in the special moment,” Staley told 6ABC.

   Kenney credited the school with producing successful athletes like Staley and others.

   “The number of great players that this school has turned out, and with Coach Staley winning a national championship is awesome,” Kenney told 6ABC. “She’s done more for women’s basketball than anyone I can think of.”

   Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey also attended the event at Dobbins to congratulate the North Philadelphia native. WLTX19, a TV-affiliate from Columbia, South Carolina, spoke with Jeffrey about Staley’s success.

   “Coach Staley has brought SC the notoriety it deserves,” Jeffrey told WLTX19. “She has put USC and that program on the map. I think she is the best coach in America … what she is doing with those young ladies is really something special.”

   Jeffrey gave Staley two jerseys — one with his number, 17, and another with Staley’s, 5.

  The Eagles newest receiver graduated from the University of South Carolina after a successful career there from 2009-13. He attended the university when Staley and the Gamecocks advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament in Columbia.

   Staley was thankful for all the success and recognition she has received.

   “For someone to be successful, it takes a lot of hands and you reflect, and your past is right there before you,” she told 6ABC. •