Former South Carolina Women’s Basketball Icon A’ja Wilson Nominated for Two More ESPY Awards, Adding to Her Growing Legacy.
A’ja Wilson’s basketball journey has been one of dominance, leadership, and inspiration. From her unforgettable collegiate career at South Carolina to becoming one of the WNBA’s brightest superstars, Wilson continues to earn accolades at every turn. Now, she finds herself once again in the national spotlight as she’s nominated for two prestigious ESPY Awards. For fans of women’s basketball, and particularly Gamecock faithful who have followed her journey from Columbia to the professional stage, this is yet another affirmation of her growing legacy in the world of sports.
Wilson is up for the Best WNBA Player award and the Best Athlete in Women’s Sports. These nominations represent more than just statistical dominance—they are a testament to her impact both on and off the court. Her athletic brilliance, consistent leadership, and advocacy for women and underrepresented groups have made her one of the most respected and admired athletes in the country. With each passing season, she not only strengthens her case as one of the greatest WNBA players of her generation but also elevates the profile of women’s basketball as a whole.
The ESPYs—short for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards—have long been one of the most significant platforms for recognizing athletic achievement in the United States. To be nominated for even one ESPY is a major accomplishment. To be nominated for two, particularly in categories that span across the entire world of women’s sports, speaks volumes about Wilson’s stature. In the Best WNBA Player category, she faces strong competition, but her consistent production, game-changing defense, and winning pedigree give her an edge. In the Best Athlete in Women’s Sports category, she stands alongside champions from other fields, showcasing the level of respect she’s garnered throughout the broader sports community.
A’ja Wilson’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of remarkable. She led the Las Vegas Aces with authority, once again establishing herself as the centerpiece of the franchise. Her stats were elite across the board—averaging over 22 points per game, hauling in double-digit rebounds, and leading the league in blocks. But what made her season particularly special wasn’t just her numbers—it was the way she led a stacked Aces team back to the WNBA Finals and helped them remain among the league’s most dominant squads. Her presence on both ends of the floor gave Las Vegas a consistency and confidence that few teams in league history have matched.
The Aces’ identity under Wilson’s leadership has become one of toughness, poise, and a will to win. Every team in the league knows that beating Las Vegas means finding a way to contain Wilson—something that’s easier said than done. She’s become the type of player whose mere presence alters a game plan. Her versatility allows her to dominate in the paint or stretch out and hit mid-range shots. Defensively, she anchors one of the league’s most feared units, routinely blocking or altering shots and setting the tone with her physicality and awareness.
Wilson’s dominance didn’t begin in the pros. It was born and nurtured at the University of South Carolina under legendary head coach Dawn Staley. During her time in Columbia, Wilson rewrote the Gamecocks’ record books and became the face of a program that reached unprecedented heights. She led South Carolina to its first-ever national championship in 2017 and was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Her college career ended with three SEC Player of the Year honors, a national player of the year award, and countless memories for fans of women’s college basketball.
But what has always set Wilson apart goes beyond her skill. She has consistently used her platform to advocate for change. In a sports landscape where athletes are increasingly judged not just by wins and losses but by how they use their voices, Wilson has never been afraid to speak out. She’s been a leading figure in the push for racial justice, gender equity, and mental health awareness. Her honesty, courage, and authenticity have made her a role model for young athletes everywhere, and her words have often echoed far beyond the court.
Her influence also extends to visibility for the women’s game. Wilson has become one of the most marketable and recognizable faces in women’s sports. With endorsement deals, social media reach, and a growing number of appearances on major television and digital platforms, she has played a crucial role in growing the WNBA’s fanbase. The continued rise in ratings, attendance, and merchandise sales across the league owes much to stars like her who perform at an elite level while remaining deeply connected to fans and community causes.
Wilson’s ESPY nominations also reflect the Aces’ team success. Las Vegas has emerged as a dynasty in the making, and Wilson has been central to that rise. Back-to-back Finals appearances, deep playoff runs, and a championship already under her belt have helped solidify her as one of the league’s most accomplished players at a young age. Her combination of youth and experience makes her one of the most valuable assets in all of basketball. It’s not just that she wins—it’s how she wins. With elegance, with fire, with humility, and with an unrelenting drive to improve.
For fans in South Carolina, seeing Wilson thrive at the highest level is both inspiring and familiar. She represents the best of what college athletics can offer—a student-athlete who embraced her university, delivered championships, and continues to carry that legacy with pride. She remains closely connected to the South Carolina program, frequently supporting the current team and maintaining strong ties with Coach Staley. Her statue outside Colonial Life Arena is not just a monument to past greatness but a living symbol of what is possible.
Wilson’s path has also opened doors for others. Young players growing up in the South, especially Black girls with dreams of playing basketball, can now point to someone who has not only walked the road but paved it further for them. Her ESPY nominations are not just recognition of past accomplishments; they are affirmations of the change she continues to drive. And that change is generational.
Looking ahead, there’s little doubt that Wilson’s story is far from over. As she enters the prime years of her professional career, the possibilities are endless. More championships, MVP trophies, and gold medals likely await. But even more significant is the legacy she’s already leaving behind. Each award, each nomination, and each milestone is a brick in the foundation she’s building—not just for herself, but for the future of women’s sports.
In an era where women’s basketball is finally beginning to receive the attention and respect it has long deserved, A’ja Wilson stands as a beacon. She reminds us that greatness is multifaceted. It’s not only about points or rebounds but about integrity, courage, and heart. The ESPYs are just one way the sporting world honors its brightest stars, and this year, Wilson is again among the brightest. Win or lose, her presence on that stage is a victory for the game.
As the award show approaches, the anticipation builds. Her fans, from Columbia to Las Vegas and beyond, will be watching, cheering, and reflecting on how far she has come. Whether she walks away with one trophy, two, or none, A’ja Wilson has already won in ways that can’t be measured. She’s become a standard-bearer, a history-maker, and a source of pride for all who love the game.
In a sports world often dominated by narratives of male athletes and major markets, Wilson’s rise is refreshingly real. Her story is one of talent meeting opportunity, hard work producing results, and a commitment to something greater than oneself. That’s why these ESPY nominations feel special. Not because she needs more validation, but because every time her name is called, it pushes women’s sports one step further into the spotlight where it belongs.
A’ja Wilson is up for another pair of ESPYs, and in doing so, she reminds us why she’s so much more than a basketball player. She’s a leader, a trailblazer, and a once-in-a-generation force. The honors may bear her name, but their meaning belongs to everyone who has believed in what women’s sports can be—and what they already are.
