South Carolina State University has quickly turned into one of the strongest programs in the MEAC under head coach Chennis Berry. After arriving before the 2024 season, Berry guided the Bulldogs to consecutive conference titles and back-to-back Cricket Celebration Bowl appearances.
Now, South Carolina State heads into the 2026 campaign chasing a third straight championship. However, before shifting his focus to the upcoming season, Berry and his coaching staff spent time with the University of South Carolina women’s basketball program and coach Dawn Staley.
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Dawn Staley Shared a Special Message for South Carolina State University’s HC Chennis Berry
On July 23, South Carolina State Football posted highlights from the meeting across social media.
Shortly afterward, Staley joined the conversation on X, where she shared a heartfelt message celebrating Berry’s work and the impact his program continues to make.
“Coach you got the post out before I was able to show you and your staff and program the love you deserve!” she wrote.
Staley praised the culture Berry has created and explained why his success reaches far beyond the football field, making the title’s sentiment feel well-earned.
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“You make us proud by the championships yes but the human beings and the impact on our community is immeasurable! I see back-2-back in your future! Love them DOGS!” she added.
This visit highlights how successful coaches continue learning from one another, even during the offseason.
Talking about Berry’s impact, he has not lost a conference game since he took over. Now that the new season is on the horizon, Berry revealed his attention remains fixed on raising the standard again.
Speaking during MEAC Media Day, Berry made it clear that last season’s accomplishments already belong in the past.
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Berry explained that he and his staff keep the focus on daily improvement and believe consistent habits eventually produce results.
“We only talk about [the] championship in one team meeting,” he said. “It’s the beginning of the year. We fall in love with the process. Everything in our program is about process. We surrender the outcome and fall in love with the process of going 1-0 every day.”
That mindset becomes even more important because South Carolina State looks very different entering 2026. Berry revealed that the program added 52 newcomers and 52 returning players. So it’s an entirely new group.
Despite that, Berry is optimistic about what he has seen from his squad throughout the offseason. He praised both his staff and players while stressing that talent alone will not guarantee another championship.
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“I really love this football team,” he added. “I think our coaches have done an outstanding job of going to get the right fit of young men on offense, defense, and special teams. I believe we have a lot of talent, a lot of depth, but we still have to come together.”
For now, Berry and the Bulldogs remain committed to the same approach that delivered back-to-back conference crowns.
