A Sweet and Historic Moment Between Two of Women’s Basketball’s Finest

It was a heartfelt full-circle moment that had fans — and even a few legends — tearing up.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley recently surprised WNBA superstar and Gamecocks alumna A’ja Wilson with life-changing news: her jersey will officially be retired by the University of South Carolina. The announcement marks one of the highest honors in college athletics and cements Wilson’s legacy as one of the greatest players in NCAA women’s basketball history (Bleacher Report).

The reveal came during a FaceTime call between Staley and Wilson, a clip that quickly went viral across social media. “Your jersey is going to be retired. It’s that time!” Staley told her former player, grinning as she panned the camera to a room filled with cheering Gamecock staff and players.

Wilson, visibly emotional, laughed through tears. “Everybody wants me to cry today! No way!” she said, before Staley lovingly teased her to “stop all that crying” and “get yourself together for the big day.” (ESPN).

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From Hometown Hero to Hall of Fame Status

Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Wilson chose to stay close to home for college — a decision that would forever alter the course of Gamecocks basketball (The State). Under Staley’s leadership, Wilson helped transform the program into a national powerhouse.

During her career from 2015 to 2018, Wilson became a three-time SEC Player of the Year and was named the 2017 NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, leading South Carolina to its first-ever national championship that same year (USA Today).

By the time she graduated, Wilson had rewritten the school record books — ranking first in points, blocks, and free throws made. Her number 22 jersey, the same number she wore when she guided the Gamecocks to history, will now hang in the rafters of Colonial Life Arena for generations to come.

“She set the standard for what it means to be a Gamecock,” Staley said in a statement released by the university. “Her impact goes far beyond basketball — she made it cool to represent South Carolina” (ESPN).

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A Legacy of Firsts and Leadership

Wilson’s contributions have transcended the college court. Since being selected No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2018 WNBA Draft, she’s become one of the league’s brightest stars and most vocal leaders. The two-time WNBA MVP (2020, 2022) and two-time WNBA Champion (2022, 2023) has played a key role in redefining the modern game, combining dominant play with a fearless commitment to advocacy for women and the Black community (NBC Sports).

In 2021, South Carolina honored Wilson with a bronze statue outside Colonial Life Arena, sculpted by Julie Rotblatt-Amrany. It depicts her in her classic shooting pose — a tribute to her excellence both on and off the court. “Seeing that statue every time I come home reminds me that hard work and faith can take you anywhere,” Wilson told The State.

Now, after the NCAA’s mandatory five-year waiting period, the university will officially retire her jersey on February 2, 2025 — a fitting tribute that matches her No. 22 and her unmatched legacy.

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A Moment That’s Bigger Than Basketball

The upcoming ceremony is expected to draw former teammates, fans, and WNBA peers from across the country. “It’s more than just retiring a number,” Staley told USA Today Sports. “It’s about honoring someone who changed what was possible for this program and for this university.”

For Wilson, the moment is deeply personal. “South Carolina believed in me when I was just a hometown kid with big dreams,” she said in a statement. “To have my jersey retired where it all began means everything. It’s not just my name up there — it’s every teammate, coach, and fan who’s been part of this journey” (ESPN).

Since her college days, Wilson has continued to serve as a role model for young athletes. Through her A’ja Wilson Foundation, she advocates for education equity and resources for children with dyslexia, a condition she has openly discussed to help break stigma and inspire others (Forbes).

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Celebrating a True Gamecock Legend

As South Carolina prepares to raise Wilson’s jersey to the rafters, the celebration feels like both a homecoming and a coronation. Wilson’s name will join a short list of Gamecock greats immortalized in the arena — a symbol of perseverance, excellence, and community pride.

“It’s bigger than basketball,” Staley said simply. “It’s about who A’ja is — her humility, her leadership, and the way she carries us all with her.”

With her No. 22 retired, a statue already standing tall, and a career still soaring, A’ja Wilson continues to prove that her legacy — much like her game — is larger than life.