South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley has shaped many WNBA stars during her 17 years leading the Gamecocks, including one of her most celebrated players, A’ja Wilson. Wilson, now a star with the Las Vegas Aces, helped the Gamecocks win their first national championship in 2017, highlighting the start of a lasting bond between the two.
Staley and Wilson maintain a close relationship that often features lighthearted exchanges on social media. Recently, Wilson surprised Staley by sending her a pair of her Indigo Girl A’One shoes, prompting Staley to share a humorous response along with a photo of the shoes on X.
Their connection extends beyond gifts—Staley appeared in a Nike commercial last month to support Wilson’s shoe launch, reflecting their ongoing partnership both on and off the court.
From Early Beginnings to Shared Success
Dawn Staley first invited A’ja Wilson to a basketball camp in 2009 when Wilson was new to South Carolina. Although Staley was initially unimpressed, Wilson’s hard work and development eventually made her the nation’s top recruit, leading her to commit to the Gamecocks.
Wilson transformed South Carolina basketball, becoming the first player in Southeastern Conference history to earn SEC Player of the Year honors three times. In 2017, she was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, cementing her legacy at the collegiate level.
After being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft, Wilson’s professional career soared, with Staley continuing to support her by attending games and staying engaged in her growth as a player. Their bond remained strong even as Wilson reached the highest level of competition.
A Relationship Built on Support and Growth
Wilson acknowledged the depth of their relationship following her 2023 WNBA championship win with the Las Vegas Aces. During her postgame press conference, Wilson described Staley as a second mother and praised the crucial role Staley played in shaping her career.
“She’s (Staley) watched me win on every level at this point,” Wilson said. “That’s a special moment between us. Everyone knows in this room, Coach Staley is like my second mom.” —A’ja Wilson
“She has really molded me into the player that I am today. She spent countless hours just telling me what I need to do at the pro level. I thought that relationship was kind of going to disappear as I got to a pro [level] but we’ve still stayed together.” —A’ja Wilson
Even years after coaching Wilson, Staley remains a steadfast supporter, backing her in moments like the WNBA MVP voting, which highlights how rare and meaningful their ongoing connection is within the world of women’s basketball.