In a momentous ceremony that celebrated her indelible impact on the program, A’ja Wilson’s jersey was officially raised to the rafters at the University of South Carolina. The event, held at Colonial Life Arena, honored the basketball icon whose contributions to the Gamecocks’ women’s basketball team have left an enduring legacy. Wilson, a Columbia native, is now immortalized alongside the program’s greatest legends, a fitting tribute to her remarkable career.
Wilson, who played for South Carolina from 2014 to 2018, led the Gamecocks to their first-ever NCAA Championship in 2017. Her dominance on the court earned her numerous accolades, including the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2018. Under the guidance of head coach Dawn Staley, Wilson became the face of a program that rose to national prominence during her tenure. Her jersey retirement not only commemorates her individual achievements but also symbolizes the transformative era she helped usher in for South Carolina basketball.
The ceremony was an emotional affair, with fans, teammates, and coaches gathering to celebrate Wilson’s journey. Staley, who has often referred to Wilson as a “once-in-a-generation player,” delivered a heartfelt speech, highlighting Wilson’s leadership, work ethic, and commitment to excellence. Wilson, in turn, expressed gratitude to her family, coaches, and the South Carolina community for their unwavering support throughout her career.
Wilson’s impact extends beyond the court. Since being drafted first overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces, she has continued to shine, earning MVP honors and becoming a vocal advocate for social justice and gender equality. Her jersey retirement serves as a reminder of her roots and the foundation she built at South Carolina.
As Wilson’s No. 22 jersey now hangs in the rafters, it stands as a testament to her greatness and a source of inspiration for future generations of Gamecocks. Her legacy is forever etched in the history of South Carolina basketball.
