A’ja Wilson is one of the most accomplished and recognizable figures in contemporary women’s basketball. Born on August 8, 1996, in Hopkins, South Carolina, Wilson grew up in a basketball-oriented family—her father played professionally in Europe, and both parents were deeply involved in her athletic development[6]. Diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, Wilson has since become an advocate for education and anti-bullying through her foundation[1]. She attended Heathwood Hall Episcopal School before becoming a standout at the University of South Carolina, where she majored in Mass Communications and led the Gamecocks to their first NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship in 2017[1][5]. Wilson left college as the school’s all-time leading scorer and shot-blocker, sweeping National Player of the Year honors in her final season[1][5]. Selected first overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2018 WNBA Draft, Wilson immediately made her mark, earning Rookie of the Year and quickly ascending to the league’s elite[1][2]. Standing 6’4”, she plays center and is celebrated for her versatility, combining scoring prowess, rebounding, and shot-blocking at an elite level[2][4]. Wilson has been named WNBA Most Valuable Player four times—including a historic unanimous selection in 2024—and has also claimed two WNBA Defensive Player of the Year awards[2][3]. She holds the league’s single-game scoring record (53 points) and became the first player to score 1,000 points in a single season during the 2024 campaign[1][2]. Wilson has led the Aces to back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023, and the team narrowly missed a three-peat in 2024 despite her MVP performance[2][3]. Internationally, Wilson has won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA, further cementing her status as a global basketball icon[3]. Off the court, she is an entrepreneur, author (“Dear Black Girls”), and prominent spokesperson for brands like Nike and Starry[1]. Named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list, Wilson’s influence extends beyond basketball as a role model and advocate for social issues[1]. As of 2025, she remains the face of the WNBA, widely regarded as one of the most dominant players in league history and a central figure in the sport’s ongoing growth and visibility[3].