2025 Hall of Fame Profile: A'ja Wilson

There isn’t much A’ja Wilson hasn’t done in her basketball career, but she keeps doing it. Wilson is one of six inductees in this year’s University of South Carolina Association of Lettermen’s Athletics Hall of Fame class which will be inducted on Thursday, October 23 inside The Zone at Williams-Brice Stadium.

“I’m planning for my future, but I’m also living in the present,” Wilson said. “This is prime time — and I’m embracing every moment of it. I’m grateful and I’m enjoying exactly where I am.

“I was on set for the Women’s Health magazine cover shoot with Coach (Dawn) Staley when I got the call. We were all so excited, and to share that moment with Coach made it even more special. It’s truly a blessing.

“I’m excited for the induction ceremony, but honestly, I can’t wait to catch the football game on Saturday!”

The native of Hopkins, South Carolina, was the nation’s top recruit coming out of high school and chose to stay at home to play for the Gamecocks, elevating an already growing women’s basketball program under Coach Dawn Staley and helping it become a national powerhouse.

South Carolina was coming off its first SEC Regular Season Championship the year before and a NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance, and Wilson helped cement an expectation of championships every year. While wearing the Garnet and Black, Wilson and the Gamecocks won SEC Regular Season titles in each of her first three seasons, while winning the league’s tournament championship all four years. Wilson helped lead South Carolina to its first NCAA Final Four as a freshman in 2015 and the program’s first National Championship as a junior in 2017. The Gamecocks also reached the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight in her sophomore and senior seasons, respectively.

“Some of my best memories are honestly just being around my teammates; those everyday moments that people don’t always see,” Wilson said. “The laughter in the locker room, the long practices, and the way the community supported us.”

The individual accolades were just as impressive.

Wilson was the 2018 unanimous National Player of the Year and is the program’s first four-time All-American, including three first-team selections (2016, 2017, 2018). She is a three-time SEC Player of the Year (2016, 2017, 2018), four-time First Team All-SEC honoree, two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2016, 2018), 2015 SEC Freshman of the Year, and the 2018 SEC Female Athlete of the Year. She was the Most Outstanding Player of the 2017 NCAA Final Four, a two-time SEC Tournament MVP, and is the school record holder with 2,389 points. She also ranks 4th in career rebounds (1,195) and is No. 1 in career blocks (363) and blocks per game (2.6).

Although she makes it look easy on the hardwood, it wasn’t always easy in the classroom. She overcame adversity as a student after being diagnosed with dyslexia and has since started a the A’ja Wilson Foundation for children struggling with disorder.

“It was tough, especially before I was diagnosed,” Wilson said. “I was called lazy, and people didn’t understand how hard I was trying. So my foundation is dedicated to helping kids with dyslexia and those facing bullying get the support, tools, and confidence they need to succeed.”

Shortly after her career ended, a statue of Wilson was placed in front of Colonial Life Arena, joining 1980 Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers as the only South Carolina student-athletes to have statues erected in their image on campus.

“Oh wow, that’s incredible,” Wilson said of the unique honor. “When my grandmother, Hattie Rakes, was a child, she couldn’t even step foot on this campus, so, for me to be here and have left my mark in this way, I know she’d be so proud.”

Wilson’s number 22 jersey was retired last season.

Her basketball career was just getting started after graduation. She was the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft by Las Vegas, where she is a four-time league MVP. She also won Olympic gold with Team USA at the 2020 and 2024 Games.

“The Gold Medals mean a lot, but that fourth MVP this year hits a little different,” Wilson said.

Still in the prime of her career, Wilson isn’t slowing down, and she’s thankful to a lot of people who have helped her unlock and reach her potential.

“My parents, my grandmother, and Coach Staley,” Wilson said of the people who most impacted her life. “Coach has been like a second mom to me. She’s pushed me, protected me, and helped me grow into the woman I am today, on and off the court.”