Netflix is scheduled to stream the highly anticipated documentary *One for the Ages: The A’ja Wilson Story* on July 12, 2025. While the title may also be known in some outlets as *The Underdog*, all sources point to this being a deep, powerful dive into the life and legacy of A’ja Wilson, one of the most celebrated basketball figures of her generation and a transformative icon in the history of South Carolina women’s basketball. This feature is not just about basketball greatness—it is about identity, struggle, perseverance, and the powerful bond between an athlete and her coach. In Wilson’s case, that coach is none other than Dawn Staley, herself a titan in college coaching. The documentary captures the evolution of their relationship and how it defined not just a championship era, but also Wilson’s sense of self and leadership both on and off the court.
Wilson’s story is remarkable not only for her accomplishments but for the challenges she has overcome to reach the highest levels of the sport. Diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, she faced academic struggles that could have derailed her athletic goals. But with a family that believed in her, coaches who guided her, and a relentless personal drive, she rose from adversity to national recognition. The film delves into these personal trials with never-before-seen footage and vulnerable reflections from Wilson, her family, and mentors. One particularly poignant segment, according to early reviews, explores the emotional toll of being constantly expected to perform perfectly. Wilson opens up about the pressure to keep a strong face while internally dealing with anxiety, self-doubt, and the expectation to represent not only her team but an entire generation of young Black female athletes.
The documentary also charts Wilson’s ascent through the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program under Dawn Staley. Their bond is central to the film’s narrative. It was under Staley’s leadership that Wilson blossomed into a national champion, winning the NCAA title in 2017. The footage from that championship run, combined with personal moments between the two—on buses, in quiet practices, behind the scenes—adds texture to a relationship built on mutual respect and deep emotional trust. Wilson credits Staley not only for teaching her how to be a better player, but also how to be a leader, an advocate, and a woman unafraid to speak her truth. As Staley once said, “A’ja is more than an athlete. She’s a movement.” That spirit is alive in every frame of the film.
After her dominant college career, Wilson transitioned seamlessly into the WNBA, drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Aces in 2018. The documentary showcases her explosive impact at the professional level—highlighting her MVP seasons, her historic Finals MVP honor, and the multiple championship runs she helped deliver. But it doesn’t merely highlight stats and trophies. The filmmakers focus on the off-court sacrifices, the moments of solitude, and the emotional weight of being a franchise centerpiece. There are scenes where Wilson reflects on the loneliness of success, the isolation of being the face of a movement, and the vulnerability behind the strength the world sees. She admits that at one point, she nearly walked away from the game. That revelation is expected to be one of the most emotional moments in the documentary, one that could redefine how fans understand greatness—not as a constant upward trajectory, but as a cycle of rising, falling, enduring, and rising again.
Throughout the film, Wilson is portrayed not just as an athlete, but as a symbol of cultural change. Her advocacy for racial justice, her outspokenness on gender equity in sports, and her candid discussions around mental health are all key components. She talks openly about the responsibility of being “the only one” in many rooms, of carrying the weight of representation, and of forging a path where others can follow with fewer burdens. Interviews with other athletes, family members, teammates, and cultural figures offer a broader context, situating Wilson’s personal story within the larger narrative of what it means to be a Black woman in American sports today.
Dawn Staley’s role in the film is equally impactful. As a coach, mentor, and mother-figure to Wilson, she is seen shaping not just plays, but life philosophies. She speaks with clarity and warmth about guiding Wilson through the high-pressure world of college athletics, navigating the racial dynamics of the sport, and making space for her players to express who they are. The respect between them is mutual, and the film captures this with quiet beauty—in a sideline glance, a pregame hug, a tearful victory. Staley’s voice is also a reminder that leadership in sports is about humanity, not just results. In that sense, the documentary becomes as much her story as it is Wilson’s, a portrait of what powerful mentorship can look like when it is rooted in love, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose.
The film also gives attention to Wilson’s personal projects, including her foundation focused on dyslexia awareness and youth empowerment. Her activism, philanthropic work, and mentorship of younger players are presented not as side stories but as core to who she is. We see her speaking at schools, training camps, community events—bridging the gap between icon and everyday hero. This authenticity is what makes the documentary feel so intimate. It’s not just about what Wilson has done, but who she is and who she’s still becoming.
The visual storytelling is expected to be cinematic and emotionally resonant. Early reports suggest that award-winning directors are involved in the project, possibly even with executive production support from names like Ava DuVernay. Viewers can expect archival footage intercut with contemporary interviews, home videos, training scenes, and even moments where the camera lingers—on Wilson’s hands as she laces up, on her face as she breathes deeply before a game, on the crowd roaring as she lifts another trophy. These moments build a narrative that is less about sports drama and more about emotional truth.
As the premiere date approaches, Netflix is expected to release an official trailer, likely showcasing key moments of Wilson’s career and teasing the emotional arc of the film. Social media will likely be a key tool for promotion, with behind-the-scenes clips, athlete testimonials, and fan reactions helping to build momentum. The documentary is slated for global release at 12:00 AM Pacific Time on July 12, 2025, which means fans across the world can watch simultaneously. Given Wilson’s growing international fanbase, and the increasing interest in women’s basketball globally, this has the potential to become a landmark moment for the sport.
The buzz around the documentary is already intense. Fans, analysts, former teammates, and media figures are expressing excitement not just to relive Wilson’s achievements, but to understand the depth of her journey. Many expect the film to spark conversations around athlete mental health, race and gender in sports, and the evolving narrative of what it means to be a champion. Netflix, known for its high-quality sports features, seems to be positioning this as a flagship release in its summer programming.
For longtime fans of South Carolina women’s basketball, this is also a moment of celebration and reflection. Wilson’s story is woven into the very fabric of the Gamecocks’ rise to national prominence. The documentary will likely rekindle memories of that incredible 2016–17 season, the national title, and the way Wilson’s presence electrified the program. It will also shine a light on the broader impact of that era—how it inspired young girls across the South and beyond to believe that greatness was within reach, no matter where they came from or what obstacles they faced.
In short, *One for the Ages: The A’ja Wilson Story* is more than a documentary. It is a powerful chronicle of strength, vulnerability, and transformation. It honors the legacy of one of the most decorated players in women’s basketball history while revealing the complex, often painful path behind her greatness. It is a love letter to perseverance, a study in mentorship, and a reminder that heroes are human too. On July 12, 2025, when it lands on Netflix, viewers won’t just be watching the story of a champion—they’ll be witnessing the legacy of a woman who changed the game, and in doing so, changed lives.
