Toni Day, Gamecock Staff Member, Passes Away

Toni Kirkland Day, 41, passed away Friday morning after a six-month battle with cancer.  She was surrounded by her family, husband Dustin, and twin boys, Kirkland and Trotter.

Toni was a member of the University of South Carolina Athletics Department staff for 13 years, starting in the Gamecock Club in 2006.  A lifelong Gamecock fan, she told The State newspaper in a story about attending the 2013 Outback Bowl, “I have grown up a Gamecock my entire life, as my entire family.  It was ingrained, imbedded in me.”

Toni graduated from USC with a degree in political science.

Recently, the Gamecock athletics staff has been honoring Toni with tributes during the Ray Tanner Home Run and the Walk For Life and Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon among other opportunities to support the family during the family’s time of need.

For the last five years, she was an administrative assistant for the equestrian program. 

“It is a very sad time for us in athletics with the loss of Toni,” said equestrian head coach Boo Major.  “Her passing brings heightened awareness to the fight against breast cancer but also leptomeningeal cancer, a very rare form of cancer, that can go along with breast cancer of which there is no cure.  Toni learned of her cancer in early May and now is gone in October. So very hard to believe. Her vibrant personality will be missed. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.”

The Gamecock equestrian program will recognize and honor Toni during its home meet on Oct. 25 against Auburn.  The team will wear pink and celebrate “Toni Day Day” for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Fans are encouraged to wear pink to the meet.

Toni will also be recognized during the pre-game prayer at Saturday’s home football game against Florida.

Funeral services are pending.