A’ja Wilson’s career has been filled with historic moments, from leading South Carolina to its first national championship to dominating the WNBA. Her impact on the program is undeniable, and now her legacy has been permanently honored.
South Carolina’s A’ja Wilson Retires Her Jersey
On Sunday, Feb. 2, the University of South Carolina retired her No. 22 jersey at Colonial Life Arena, making her one of the most celebrated athletes in school history. Wilson’s jersey retirement ceremony took place before South Carolina’s game against Auburn.
The emotional event saw Wilson visibly moved as she stood on the court where she built her legacy. The No. 2-ranked Gamecocks secured an 83-66 victory, adding to the significance of the day. Wilson, 28, said:
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. To have my jersey retired at the University of South Carolina, the place where my dreams began, is an honor I could hardly put into words. It’s a privilege to be a Gamecock, to be a part of this community, and one of the greatest honors of my life was representing Garnet and Black every night.”
Wilson’s former coach, Dawn Staley, reflected on the significance of the moment. Staley said:
“There’s no one more deserving of this weekend than A’ja. She legitimized our program. She took it to another level, and we still feel her legacy today. Everybody still talks about her contributions to our program.”
Wilson’s journey began in Columbia, South Carolina, where she became the most dominant player in program history. As the first Gamecock to win National Player of the Year, she also earned SEC Player of the Year honors three times and was a four-time All-American.
A’ja Wilson’s Impact at South Carolina
The athlete’s leadership helped South Carolina secure its first NCAA championship in 2017, cementing her place in the program’s history. By the time she finished her college career, Wilson held school records for points (2,389) and blocks (363). Beyond her stats, she played a crucial role in transforming South Carolina into a powerhouse.
Following her college success, Wilson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft, selected by the Las Vegas Aces. Since entering the league, she has won three WNBA MVP awards and led the Aces to two championships.
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Her dominance extended to international play, where she helped Team USA win a gold medal in the Paris Olympics.
Wilson’s jersey retirement marks another milestone in her storied career. Her presence over the weekend brought together former teammates, coaches, and fans, all celebrating the legacy of one of the greatest players in women’s basketball history.
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