The Climb To The Top
A’ja Wilson was born on August 6, 1996 in Hopkins, South Carolina. She was raised in Hopkins and attended Ridge View High School in Columbia, South Carolina.
A’ja Wilson: High School
Wilson played basketball at Ridge View HS (Columbia, South Carolina). A’ja was a highly regarded recruit. She eventually committed to play at the University of South Carolina.
During her high school career, A’ja Wilson was a standout basketball player. She earned South Carolina Girls Basketball Player of the Year four-times (2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016). Wilson was also named a McDonald’s All-American in 2014, indicating that she was one of the top high school players in the country.
In addition to her individual accolades, Wilson helped lead Ridge View to four consecutive state championships(2013 to 2016). She finished her high school career with 2,389 points, 1,307 rebounds, and 358 blocks. A’ja Wilson is one of the most dominant players in the history of South Carolina high school basketball. Wilson’s success on the court attracted the attention of college coaches. Ultimately committing to play at the University of South Carolina, where she continued to excel as a player.
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A’ja Wilson: College
As a student-athlete at the University of South Carolina, A’ja Wilson accomplished a great deal on the basketball court. She was a four-year starter for the Gamecocks. A’ja helped lead the team to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances. Ms. Wilson orchestrated the trip to the Final Four in 2017. During her college career, Wilson was named a first-team All-SEC selection three times. She earned a second-team All-SEC selection once. A’ja, also, was named the SEC Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018.
College
In her senior season, Wilson led the Gamecocks to the NCAA Championship. A’ja earned the Most Outstanding Player award in the process. She also won the Naismith Trophy, which is given annually to the best college basketball player in the country. Wilson finished her college career as the all-time leading scorer in South Carolina history. Aja scored a total of 2,389 points. Ms. Wilson also ranks second in program history in rebounds (1,307) and blocks (358). Wilson’s outstanding college career helped her earn the first overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft. She was selected by the Las Vegas Aces.
A’ja Wilson: Professional
Since entering the WNBA in 2018, A’ja Wilson has established herself as one of the top players in the league. As a member of the Las Vegas Aces, Wilson has been named an All-Star in each of her first four seasons. Ms. Wilson was named to the All-WNBA First Team in 2019 and 2020. In 2020, she was also named the WNBA Most Valuable Player. She led the Aces to the best record in the league. A’ja also was named the Western Conference Player of the Month four times.
In addition to her individual accolades, Wilson has helped lead the Aces to the WNBA playoffs. . The Aces lost in the Finals to the Seattle Storm. But, Wilson’s outstanding performance throughout the playoffs earned her the WNBA Finals MVP award.
Wilson has also had success as a member of the United States women’s national basketball team. She helped lead the team to a gold medal at the 2018 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. She was named to the All-Tournament Team. Wilson is also a member of the team that is preparing to compete at the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
Humility
A’ja Wilson is known for being actively involved in her community. She uses her platform as a professional athlete to make a positive impact.
A’ja Wilson Foundation
In 2019, Wilson launched the A’ja Wilson Foundation. It aims to provide support and resources to youth in her hometown of Hopkins, South Carolina. Through the foundation, Wilson has organized various events and initiatives. Including a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway and a book drive for a local elementary school.
In addition to her work with the A’ja Wilson Foundation, Wilson has also been involved in other community service initiatives. She has participated in events with the Special Olympics. A’ja has also been a spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Wilson advocates for social justice issues. She has used her platform to speak out on issues such as racial inequality and police brutality.
2023 Update
A’ja Wilson is named defensive player of the year.
WNBA 2023 MVP
The 2023 WNBA MVP race came down to a tight competition between several of the league’s biggest superstars. A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, and Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun were the front-runners all season long.
Candidates
A’ja Wilson was seeking her second MVP award after previously winning in 2020 & 2022. She led the Aces to the #1 seed in the playoffs while averaging 19.5 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Wilson exhibited dominant interior play and much improved passing ability.
Breanna Stewart made a compelling case by guiding the Liberty to a playoff berth. She put up 22.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game while shooting efficiently from the field. Stewie remained one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the WNBA.
While Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun did not win the MVP award, she firmly inserted herself into the conversation with a breakout season. After missing all of 2021 with an injury, Thomas returned better than ever in 2022.
The versatile forward averaged 13.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists for the Sun. Thomas’ do-it-all impact made Connecticut one of the most balanced teams in the league. Her passing ability from the forward spot unlocked the Sun’s offense. Defensively, Thomas took on the toughest matchups game after game. S Thomas finished 2nd in MVP voting.
