In an emotionally charged ceremony at the University of South Carolina’s Colonial Life Arena, A’ja Wilson’s No. 22 jersey was retired, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious basketball career. The event was not only a celebration of Wilson’s achievements but also a heartfelt tribute to her former coach, Dawn Staley, highlighting their enduring bond and shared experiences.
Wilson, a Columbia native, led the Gamecocks to their first NCAA championship in 2017 and has since become a two-time WNBA champion and multiple-time MVP. During the ceremony, she expressed profound gratitude to Coach Staley, acknowledging her pivotal role in shaping Wilson’s career and personal growth. “I can’t thank these two enough for just the time that they spent, the talks that we’ve had, conversations that we will never ever, ever, ever, share and I love those conversations,” Wilson said, referring to both Staley and her WNBA coach Becky Hammon. “I’m forever grateful, I’m forever in their debt because, without them, I wouldn’t be a champion, I would not be the winner, the leader, that you see today.”
The ceremony also served as a platform for Wilson to address the racial challenges faced by Black women in sports. Reflecting on the aftermath of the 2017 championship, Wilson recalled the criticism directed at Coach Staley for the team’s composition. “When we won the NCAA championship in 2017… you know what we heard almost immediately? ‘Coach Staley doesn’t recruit white players. Why doesn’t she recruit our white girls?'” Wilson highlighted the team’s hard work and the lack of full community support, stating, “You had a team of 12 Black girls working their tails off… and it still felt like a significant part of our community didn’t want to celebrate it fully.”
Despite these challenges, Wilson’s message was one of resilience and unwavering support for the Gamecocks. Her emotional tribute to Coach Staley underscored the profound impact of mentorship and the importance of confronting and overcoming racial biases in sports. As her jersey now hangs in the rafters, Wilson’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes.