One of the greatest, period.
WNBA M’VP A’ja Wilson had her No. 22 jersey retired at her alma mater, South Carolina, this past Sunday to a sold out Colonial Life Arena. The event took place as the current squad faced off against Auburn.
As the most decorated Gamecock basketball player of all-time, Wilson was overwhelmed with emotion to say the least.
“To have my jersey retired at the University of South Carolina, the place where my dreams began is an honor I can hardly put into words.”
A’ja Wilson attended the University of South Carolina from 2014-2018 where she dominated, earning four straight SEC tournament championships, three SEC POTY awards and led the school in both points and blocks amongst countless other accolades.
She also shared her appreciation of the Colombia community: “It’s a privilege to be a gamecock, to be a part of this community…One of the greatest honors of my life was representing Garnet and Black.”
Alongside A’ja was the one and only Dawn Staley, head coach of the Gamecocks. Staley shared more on her relationship with A’ja in an interview with Colombia’s WIS News ahead of the ceremony.
“Nothing makes me more proud than when A’ja gets her flowers.. She’s the best, The very best. There is no one better than A’ja Wilson and what she is bringing to the table.”
Following a big thank you to both her parents and her favorite Olympian from out of town, Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo, Wilson was able to see her jersey unravel in the rafters and was visibly emotional.
“As I will look up in the rafters and see my jersey, I’m reminded how important it is to chase your dreams without fear.”
