Star Forward to Be Inducted This Fall
A’ja Wilson will be honored by her alma mater this October. The University of South Carolina announced she is one of six former student-athletes joining the 2025 South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame.
The ceremony will take place on October 23, followed by a public celebration during the Gamecocks’ football game against Alabama on October 25. Wilson’s name will be etched into the school’s sports legacy alongside Natasha Hastings, Brandon Hulko, Paul Jubb, Akram Mahmoud, and Mollie Patton.
A Legacy of Records and Championships at South Carolina
Wilson played for the Gamecocks from 2014 to 2018, helping transform the women’s basketball program into a national powerhouse. She led South Carolina to its first National Championship in 2017 and became one of the most decorated players in school history.
She scored a school-record 2,389 points, holds the all-time mark for blocks at 363, and averages the most blocks per game with 2.6. Wilson also ranks fourth in rebounds with 1,195. Her dominance earned her the 2018 National Player of the Year award and three SEC Player of the Year honors.
Unmatched Honors and Career Achievements
The University of South Carolina retired Wilson’s No. 22 jersey last season, a rare tribute reserved for the most influential athletes in school history. She was also the first four-time All-American in program history and a two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
“Her impact went beyond the numbers,” a school spokesperson said. “A’ja Wilson changed the way people view South Carolina basketball.”
Success Beyond the College Court
After graduating, Wilson was drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2018 WNBA Draft. She quickly became one of the league’s brightest stars, winning multiple MVP awards and championships.
Wilson has also shined on the global stage, earning two Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2020 and 2024. She continues to break records, becoming the fastest woman in WNBA history to score 5,000 career points in June 2025. On August 6, she became just the 10th player in league history to record 500 career blocks.
Inspiring the Next Generation
For many young athletes, especially girls in South Carolina, Wilson’s story is proof of what hard work and determination can achieve. Her Hall of Fame induction is not just a recognition of her talent but a celebration of her role as a leader and inspiration.
As the date approaches, fans and former teammates are expected to gather to celebrate her career, both on and off the court. Wilson’s legacy is now cemented in the Gamecocks’ history, but her influence continues to grow.
