11 Little-Known Facts About A’ja Wilson for WNBA Admirers
A’ja Wilson is a name that has become synonymous with excellence in basketball. She is known for her remarkable skills on the court and her leadership off it. However, there’s more to her story than what you see during game time. Let’s take a closer look at some of the lesser-known facts that reveal the depth of A’ja’s journey, character, and impact beyond basketball.
Forbes 30 Under 30
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In 2021, A’ja Wilson made it onto Forbes’ highly-valued 30 Under 30 list, an honor that is bestowed upon only the most exceptional young individuals across various industries. Her recognition came not just for her basketball prowess but also for her community engagement, advocacy for social causes, and leadership within the sports world.
A Statue at USC
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To recognize her contributions, the University of South Carolina erected a statue in honor of A’ja Wilson—marking a first for the university as the first statue of a woman on campus. This was a fitting tribute to her incredible career at USC, where she led the Gamecocks to an NCAA championship in 2017 and became one of the greatest players in their history. A’ja’s legacy is not just in her statistics but in how she paved the way for future generations of women in sports.
The A’ja Wilson Foundation
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A’ja Wilson is a philanthropist with a heart for giving back. Through her foundation, the A’ja Wilson Foundation, she provides support for underprivileged youth and helps them navigate the challenges of life. This includes advocating for kids with dyslexia, promoting anti-bullying initiatives, or offering mentorship. The foundation serves as an extension of her mission to empower young people, especially those who need it the most.
Dear Black Girls: A Guide to Empowerment
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A’ja Wilson authored Dear Black Girls: A Guided Journal for Young Black Women, which was published in 2022. The book is a heartfelt offering designed to empower young Black girls by providing them with a safe space to reflect, grow, and affirm their identities. Through this journal, A’ja encourages girls to embrace their uniqueness, celebrate their heritage, and build the confidence needed to succeed in life.
A Businesswoman
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Beyond basketball, A’ja has explored entrepreneurship, particularly with her luxury candle line, Burnt Wax Candle Company. The collection features a range of elegant and comforting fragrances. It’s clear that A’ja knows how to combine her love for creativity with her business acumen.
A’ja’s Mental Health Advocacy
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A’ja Wilson has been open about her struggles with mental health and often shares her journey to break the stigma surrounding athletes and mental health. In an industry where athletes often feel the pressure to maintain a tough exterior, A’ja’s vulnerability has been refreshing. She speaks out about her experiences with anxiety and depression during the 2020 WNBA finals and offers insight into the mental and emotional toll that comes with being in the spotlight.
A Father’s Influence on Her Journey
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A’ja Wilson’s dedication to basketball can be traced back to her father, Roscoe Wilson, who was also a basketball player and a key influence in her development. He not only coached her during her formative years but also instilled in her the values of hard work and resilience.
Basketball Wasn’t Always the Dream
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Interestingly, A’ja Wilson didn’t always see herself as a basketball player. In fact, she was initially hesitant to pursue the sport at a young age, instead preferring regular kids’ activities, like movies, to have fun. Today, A’ja is one of the most dominant figures in the WNBA, but it all started with a change of heart.
The University of South Carolina
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A’ja Wilson’s college career at the University of South Carolina was nothing short of legendary. She played for the Gamecocks from 2014 to 2018, leading the team to an NCAA championship in 2017 and earning numerous accolades, including three SEC Player of the Year awards. Her time at USC solidified her reputation as one of the greatest players in the history of college basketball.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
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While at the University of South Carolina, A’ja Wilson became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first African American sorority founded in 1908. She continues to be active in the sorority and follows its values of service, scholarship, and sisterhood.
A Multi-Sport Athlete in High School
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Before becoming a basketball phenom, A’ja Wilson excelled in other sports like volleyball and track. These experiences helped her develop important athletic skills, from agility to speed, which she later transferred to the basketball court. Her well-rounded athleticism contributed to her rise as a standout basketball player, but her high school sports days are often a forgotten part of her story.
A Family-Centered Life
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At her core, A’ja Wilson is a family-oriented person. She often shares stories about how her family, especially her parents, have been her biggest supporters. They have been with her every step of the way, from her early days as a hesitant basketball player to her rise as a WNBA superstar. For A’ja, family is her foundation, and she attributes much of her success to their unwavering love and guidance.
Columbia, South Carolina: Hometown
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A’ja Wilson hails from Columbia, South Carolina, and she takes great pride in representing her hometown. She’s frequently spoken about how Columbia shaped her as both a person and an athlete. A’ja’s connection to her community remains strong, and she continues to give back in meaningful ways, whether through her foundation or community outreach efforts.
A Name with Musical Roots
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A’ja Wilson’s name comes with an interesting twist—her father named her after the album Aja by Steely Dan. The album’s smooth jazz sound left a lasting impression on him, and he felt it was a fitting name for his daughter. A’ja has embraced the uniqueness of her name and often shares the story behind it with others.
A Competitive Spirit in Uno
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Away from basketball, A’ja Wilson is known for her competitive spirit, especially when it comes to the card game Uno. She’s joked that she’s “better at Uno than most people,” and spares no one during the game.